Starting troubles...

[FalcoColumbarius]

Same can be said for corrosion on the terminals.

[Miloki]

Neutral safety switches can wear out. It might work sometimes, but eventually it wont at all. You could bypass it (bad idea except emergency) or replace it.

Okay, why is it a bad idea? Other than the obvious - that you could start the vehicle while it was in gear if you're not paying attention? Will it damage anything?

I'm asking because I'm trying to find a neutral safety switch but if mine totally gives up the ghost before I can find a replacement, I'll have to bypass it as the Delica is the only vehicle I have now. (Well, except for the motorcycle, but it's hard to drive my dogs around on the bike!)

[Spearo]

Okay, why is it a bad idea? Other than the obvious - that you could start the vehicle while it was in gear if you're not paying attention? Will it damage anything?

I'm asking because I'm trying to find a neutral safety switch but if mine totally gives up the ghost before I can find a replacement, I'll have to bypass it as the Delica is the only vehicle I have now. (Well, except for the motorcycle, but it's hard to drive my dogs around on the bike!)

Yeah that's right. It's there so you can't start it in Drive or Reverse and go through the front of the Starbucks. If you do it, you just have to remember that. We used to do it in our big block muscle cars way back.
Meanwhile, if it's still hooked up and it dies on you again, try jostling the shifter sideways and in and out of gear, then back into P or N to start it.
Cheers,
Erik