Dealer Service Information Bulletin 68-I-66 – Starter Neutralizer Switch Usage, Identification and Adjustment – Column Shift or Console Shift – All 1967-68 Models Equipped with Hydra-Matic or Automatic Transmissions

Switch Usage

Starter Neutralizer Switch Application Chart

Part No.	Year	Location	Model Usage	Transmission
1993380	1967–68	Column	Pontiac, Tempest, Firebird	AT & HT
9777866	1967	Console	Firebird (1st Type)	AT
9789717	1967	Console	Firebird (2nd Type)	AT & HT
9779665	1965–67	Console	Tempest	AT
9779665	1968	Console	Tempest*	AT
9779665	1965–68	Console	Pontiac	HT
1993422	1968	Console	Firebird	AT & HT
1993422	1968	Console	Tempest**	AT
1993422	1968	Console	Tempest	HT

Warehouse code “Z”, group number 2.698.

* Automatic transmission with wood insert console.
** Automatic transmission with padded console.

Column Mounted Neutralizer Switches (1993380)

Two neutralizer switches of the same part number were used in all 1967 production cars. The first type has a RESET slot on the rear face of the switch (Fig. 1 in the scan below); the second type has a RESET slot on the right side of the switch (Fig. 2) and was installed on late 1967 production cars and is installed on all 1968 production cars.

Adjust the first type switch as follows:

1. Insert the blade of “RESET” gauge (J 23056-2) into the RESET slot of the switch (Fig. 3), move the shift lever slowly to LOW range, and remove the gauge.
2. Insert the blade of “0” gauge (J 22701-5) into the ADJUST slot of the switch (Fig. 4), move the shift lever to PARK position, and remove the gauge.
3. Check starter operation in all ranges.
4. If the starter operates in:
   • REVERSE range — repeat steps 1 through 3 using the “1-” gauge (J 22701-4) or “2-” gauge (J 22701-3) in the ADJUST slot until starter will not operate in REVERSE range.
   • DRIVE range — repeat steps 1 through 3 using the “1+” gauge (J 22701-6) or “2+” gauge (J 22701-7) in the ADJUST slot until starter will not operate in DRIVE range.

Adjust the second type switch as follows:

1. Position and hold the shift lever in LOW range while inserting the blade of “RESET” gauge (J 23056-2) into the RESET slot of the switch (Fig. 5), exerting sufficient pressure to ensure full penetration (approx. 9/16″) of the blade, and remove the gauge.
2. Insert the blade of “0” gauge (J 22701-5) into the ADJUST slot of the switch (Fig. 4), move the shift lever to PARK position, and remove the gauge.
3. Check starter operation in all ranges.
4. If the starter operates in:
   • REVERSE range — repeat steps 1 through 3 using the “1-” gauge (J 22701-4) or “2-” gauge (J 22701-3) in the ADJUST slot until starter will not operate in REVERSE range.
   • DRIVE range — repeat steps 1 through 3 using the “1+” gauge (J 22701-6) or “2+” gauge (J 22701-7) in the ADJUST slot until starter will not operate in DRIVE range.

Console Mounted Neutralizer Switches (9777866 and 9789717)

Although two types of neutralizer switches were used in 1967 Firebird production cars, the adjustment of each is the same. The 9777866 switch can be identified by its white drive tang (Fig. 6); the second type switch (9789717) has a black drive tang (Fig. 7).

Adjust these switches as follows:

1. Move the floor shift lever into DRIVE range and remove ash tray, trim plate assembly, indicator lens, and housing from console.
2. After loosening the two screws attaching the neutralizer switch to the shift lever bracket assembly, insert a 3/32″ gauge pin in the drive hole (found on face of switch) to a minimum depth of 1/4″ to hold the switch in position.
3. With floor shift lever in DRIVE range and gauge pin holding switch in DRIVE position, tighten the screws to 25 lb. in. torque and remove the gauge pin.
4. Check starter operation in all ranges.

   NOTE: With switch properly positioned, car will start in PARK and NEUTRAL positions only.

5. Install indicator housing and lens, ash tray, and trim plate assembly to console.

Console Mounted Neutralizer Switch (9779665)

This switch is used in 1965–67 Tempest, 1968 Tempest with wood insert console, and 1965–68 Pontiac production cars (Fig. 8). Switch is adjusted by means of an adjustment screw located at the base of the floor shift lever assembly. When properly adjusted, the starter will operate only with the floor shift lever in PARK and NEUTRAL positions.

Console Mounted Neutralizer Switches (1993422)

Two neutralizer switches of the same part number are used in 1968 Firebird and Tempest production cars. The first type has a 1/4″ wide ADJUST slot on the top side of the switch (Fig. 9); the second type has a 3/8″ wide ADJUST slot (Fig. 10).

Adjust the first type switch as follows:

1. • Firebird: Remove outer and inner control handles, console, indicator bulb and housing, and bracket from the shifter assembly.
   • Tempest: Remove glove box, control knob (Turbo HT), outer and inner control handles (Auto. Trans.), disconnect escutcheon from shifter assembly, indicator bulb and housing, glove box lamp, and remove console.
2. Position and hold the floor shift lever in LOW range while inserting the blade of “RESET” gauge (J 23056-2) into the RESET slot of the switch (Fig. 11), exerting sufficient pressure to ensure full penetration (approx. 9/16″) of the blade, and remove the gauge.
3. Insert the blade of “STD.” gauge (J 23056-4) into the ADJUST slot of the switch (Fig. 12), move the floor shift lever to PARK position, and remove the gauge.
4. Check starter operation in all ranges.
5. If starter operates in:
   • REVERSE range — repeat steps 2 through 4 using the “U SIZE” gauge (J 23056-3) in the ADJUST slot.
   • DRIVE range — repeat steps 2 through 4 using the “O SIZE” gauge (J 23056-5) in the ADJUST slot.
6. • Firebird: Install bracket to shifter assembly, indicator bulb and housing, console, and control handles to the shifter assembly.
   • Tempest: Install console, glove box lamp, indicator bulb and housing, escutcheon to shifter assembly, control knob (Turbo HT), control handles (Auto. Trans.), and install glove box.

Adjust the second type switch as follows:

1. • Firebird: Remove outer and inner control handles, indicator bulb and housing, and bracket from shifter assembly.
   • Tempest: Remove glove box, control knob (Turbo HT), outer and inner control handles (Auto. Trans.), disconnect escutcheon from shifter assembly, indicator bulb and housing, glove box lamp, and remove console.
2. Position and hold the floor shift lever in LOW range while inserting the blade of “RESET” gauge (J 23056-2) into the RESET slot of the switch (Fig. 11), exerting sufficient pressure to ensure full penetration (approx. 9/16″) of the blade, and remove the gauge.
3. Insert the “STD.” tab of gauge (J 23056-1) into the ADJUST slot of the switch (Fig. 13), move the floor shift lever to PARK position, and remove the gauge.
4. Check starter operation in all ranges.
5. If starter operates in DRIVE range, repeat steps 2 through 4 using the “O SIZE” tab of gauge (J 23056-1) in the ADJUST slot (Fig. 13).
6. • Firebird: Install bracket to shifter assembly, indicator bulb and housing, console, and control handles to the shifter assembly.
   • Tempest: Install console, glove box lamp, indicator bulb and housing, escutcheon to shifter assembly, control knob (Turbo HT), control handles (Auto. Trans.), and install glove box.

This is a transcription of the original dealer bulletin for easier reading and search. The complete original scan, including the figures, is shown below.