# Ignition starting **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** mercury\ **Created:** [July 23, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-starting/93999 "2016-07-23T20:18:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Neal1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/neal1/32/4643_2.png) [@Neal1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Neal1)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-starting/93999/1 "2016-07-23T20:18:46Z")
I recently bought a 1957 Mercury Turnpike cruiser with push button transmission. The engine runs great, but in order to start the engine, I need to turn the key to the on position and jump the solenoid. It will not start or turnover by pushing the N/S (neutral-start switch). I replaced the solenoid in hopes that was the issue, but it still will not start by pushing the N/S button. Actually, nothing happens when you push the N/S switch. I’m not sure if there is an electrical problem or if it’s a manual problem. If anyone has run into a situation like this, please let me know what you did to troubleshoot or correct the issue. By the way, once the engine is running, all the buttons work correctly. (i.e.: Drive, Reverse, Neutral and Park). ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2016, 8:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-starting/93999/2 "2016-07-23T20:34:57Z")
I can’t say for sure if this applies to your Merc, but the early Edsels also had push-button transmissions, and they tended to suffer from the same problem. The solution was apparently to clean some un-shielded electrical contacts on the exterior of the transmission case. I would be very surprised if the Edsel used a totally different system, even though their push buttons were in a different location than on your Merc. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-starting/93999/3 "2016-07-23T20:50:47Z")
If you can get the engine start by jumping the solenoid, you’re bypassing the switch. Disconnect the neutral/start switch wiring, and connect the wires together. If the starter operates, the switch requires replacement. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Neal1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/neal1/32/4643_2.png) [@Neal1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Neal1)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 12:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-starting/93999/4 "2016-07-24T00:33:28Z")
I think the Edsel does have the same system. They didn’t change much back then. I’ll give the tranny wires a look. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Neal1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/neal1/32/4643_2.png) [@Neal1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Neal1)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2016, 12:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ignition-starting/93999/5 "2016-07-24T00:35:10Z")
I’ll give that a try, I kind of thought it might be the N/S start switch, but not sure where that is. I think I may have found it and will give your advise a try.