Neutral safety switch

[Neil Cartwright]

Hi,

I am thinking about replacing the neutral safety switch in my '66 convt and was wondering if anyone has any tips as I havn't done this before. Thanks.
Neil.

[tbirdmadness]

Neil: The switch is fairly easy to remove and replace. The difficult part is getting your body into position to see what you are trying to do.

First disconnect the connector on the firewall side of the switch. The switch is held in place with two small bolts (5/16" wrench fits them as I recall) located on the top of the steering column. You will want to have a mirror to see them. After locating them it is easy to remove these bolts by feel. No trick in replacement. It is a simple matter of lining up the holes in the switch and the steering column and screwing the bolts in.

Now with that said, be sure your lower steering column bushing (part # 7347), which holds the shift tube in position is in good shape and the transmission linkage is properly adjusted or else you will not be able to adjust the neutral safety switch so that it will engage the starter.

After the switch is in place, you will need to adjust the switch so the contacts make when the shift lever is in park and neutral. The procedure in the shop manual is pretty clear. It calls for a #43 dill bit to be used as a guide to hold the switch arm in the correct orientation while you position the switch. I purchased one from the local Granger maintenance supply house.

Best of luck. jb

[Harley Eaton]

If your 1966 Thunderbird is equipped with a C6 transmission, the neutral safety switch is located on the side of the transmission.