Steering Column: Description and Operation

Fig. 3 Mechanical neutral switch system with Tilt-Telescope column:

Fig. 4 Mechanical neutral start system with standard column:

Fig. 5 Mechanical neutral start system in Park position:

Actuation of the ignition switch is prevented by a mechanical lockout system, Figs. 3 and 4, which prevents the lock cylinder from rotating when the selector lever is out of Park or Neutral. When the selector lever is in Park or Neutral, the slots in the bowl plate and the finger on the actuator rod align, allowing the finger to pass through the bowl plate in turn actuating the ignition switch, Fig. 5. If the selector lever is in any position other than Park or Neutral, the finger contacts the bowl plate when the lock cylinder is rotated, thereby preventing full travel of the lock cylinder.
On all models incorporating an electric neutral start switch, this switch plus the back-up light switch and parking brake vacuum release valve are combined into one unit. This unit is mounted on the steering column under the instrument panel.