Neutral Safety Switch: Service and Repair

Mechanical neutral start system:

LESS NEUTRAL START/MECHANICAL LOCK SYSTEM
The back-up light switch is integral with the neutral start switch. To
replace, refer to Lighting and Horns/Backup Lamp/Backup Lamp Switch/ Service and Repair.


WITH NEUTRAL START/MECHANICAL LOCKOUT SYSTEM
On some models with automatic transmissions, the actuation of the ignition
switch is prevented by a mechanical lockout system, Fig. 3 , 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. 3 . 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.