Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Manuals through 2025 now available!

Our trusted friends have launched a new website named LEMON, which has newer manuals. It also contains all the CHARM manuals.

LEMON is the spiritual successor to CHARM, I recommend you try it!

Link: lemon-manuals.la or lemon-manuals.org.ua

(Some people have issue connecting. LEMON is investigating. For now, use Firefox or change your DNS server)

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Standard Column

All vehicles equipped with a column-mounted shift lever contain both mechanical and electrical neutral safety start systems. These systems rely on a mechanical block as well as an electrical switch in order to prevent starting the engine in any gear other than PARK or NEUTRAL.
The mechanical block is a wedge-shaped lock bolt that is added to the ignition switch actuator rod.
In either PARK or NEUTRAL, the wedge-shaped lock bolt passes through the slots in the shift bowl and the lock bolt allows the lock cylinder to turn and start the engine.