Neutral Safety Switch: Service and Repair

Some models use a combination neutral start and back-up light switch, while others use a separate back-up light switch. Both switches are serviced in the following manner.

Fig. 3 Self-adjusting type neutral safety switch (typical):

SELF-ADJUSTING TYPE
1. Place gear selector in ``Neutral.''
2. Gently rock switch out of steering column.
3. Disconnect wiring connectors. Connect wiring connectors to new switch.
4. Align switch actuator with hole in shift tube, Fig. 3.
5. Position connector side of switch into lower jacket cut out.
6. Push down front of switch, ensuring switch tangs snap into holes in steering column jacket.
7. Adjust switch by placing gear selector in ``Park'' position. Switch main housing and housing back should ratchet, providing proper adjustment.

Fig. 4 Manual adjust type neutral safety switch. Manual transmission (typical):

Fig. 5 Manual adjust type neutral safety switch. Automatic transmission (typical):

MANUAL ADJUST TYPE
Exc. Firebird
1. Lock steering column in ``Park'' position for automatic transmissions and ``Reverse'' for manual transmissions, then remove screws attaching switch to steering column.
2. Remove switch electrical connectors, then switch.
3. Connect wiring connector to new switch.
4. Position new switch on steering column, aligning switch carrier tang in shift selector tube slot.
5. Install attaching screws and tighten. The switch is held in the proper position with a plastic sheer pin. No additional pinning is required.
6. Adjust switch by loosening attaching screws, then inserting a .096 inch gauge pin in gauge hole of switch, Figs. 4 and 5.
7. Rotate switch in clockwise direction until freeplay is eliminated and gauge pin slides in gauge hole to a depth of 3/8 inch.
8. Tighten attaching screws and remove gauge pin.