Just installed a new neutral safety switch. I checked to see if it worked before I installed it and it worked fine. I installed it exactly like it was described in my '67 service manual. Now my car won't start in P or N like it should and the back up lights don't come on in R. If I move the shifter around slightly I can get the car to start. Since I know the switch is in correctly, is it possible the shifter is misaligned? Can it be adjusted?
If you can get the switch to work by moving the shifter around then the problem is most likely adjustment. The switch can be moved on the mounting screws for course adjustment and there is an internal plastic cam that can be adjusted for fine tuning.
There is a hole in the switch. If the switch is in Park, the hole lines up through the switch body and the cam. I put a small nail in the hole, put the shifter in Park then installed the switch. No luck though.
It looks like you can move the switch around on it's mounting bracket somewhat, but it doesn't take much movement to make it not work at all. I guess I was just losing my patience. Thanks.
The Service Manual Supplement points out that the Neutral Start Switch can only be properly set after the shifter linkage is properly adjusted. You need to have a "0.05 inch overtravel gap". As you have the service manual, try the linkage adjustment procedure on 7F-3 first.
PS: the correct spacer they call out for (.094") is 3/32"
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
I actually had to remove mine as one of the contacts would not switch. It was fairly easy to pry back the holding tabs to get at the internal contacts and repair the existing switch. Unfortunately after getting my neutral safety to work my backups stopped. That’s when I discovered that there is a moving internal plastic cam on a sort of ratchet gear that can be adjusted, or in my case miss-adjusted. The feeler gauge works great if the internal switches are aligned. If you haven't messed with like I did they should be factory set. Do you see wear at the point the shifter contacts the switch?
