neutralsafety


	Neutral Safety Switch:


	What:


	A switch installed in the wire between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. It connects or interrupts the flow of electricity from the battery to the solenoid that energizes the starter. The switch is activated or deactivated by the shift lever allowing the engine to be cranked in neutral or park and prevented from cranking while in any gear.




		Diagram from Ron Francis Wiring


	How:

Most newer vehicles manufactured since the 1960’s have the switch installed in the steering column as part of the ignition switch and turn signal/ emergency flasher wiring harness. Models with a floor shifter or console-mounted shifter incorporate it into the shift mechanism. Chrysler built vehicles have the switch built into the transmission eliminating the need for control of it by external shift linkage which elliminates the problem of adjustment encountered on linkage actuated switches.


	Where:

The most popular choice for a steering column in todays hot rod project is the GM style with the ignition switch and neutral safety switch incorporated into the column. Most of the popular wiring kits are also based on the GM wiring harness and switches/ controls. Aftermarket columns like those from are located in the same place as a stock column. Floor shifters incorporate the switch into the shift assemly activating and deactivating it as the shifter passes by the switch. For builders using a shifter from another model of vehicle or different column can use stand alone type switches that mount via brackets on the transmission or linkage like the ones offered by www.ronfrancis.com or www.painlessperformance.com


	Examples:


	RESOURCES:


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