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Daves55Sedan · 07-23-2021, 07:31 PM

Starter neutral switches were furnished standard on Fordomatic cars only. The starter neutral switch has FOUR terminals (two wires for start enable circuit and two wires for backup lights). So, the neutral switch had a dual function (start enable and backup lights).
On manual transmission cars, Ford provided (OPTIONALLY) a backup light switch and there was no start enable function on that switch.
Both neutral switch on Fordomatics and backup light switches were located at the base of the steering column (under the hood near the steering gearbox). The fordomatic neutral switch was a completely different switch than the maunual trans backup light switch and both had different mounting brackets.
Once upon a time, the repro parts suppliers were offering a "duplicate of original" backup light switch and bracket for the '55/56 cars. Can't speak for quality.
The Fordomatic neutral safety switch is still offered and looks like the original but materials and workmanship are woefully substandard. Made in China.

07-23-2021, 07:31 PM	#12
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: '56 Country Sedan Neutral Safety Switch Starter neutral switches were furnished standard on Fordomatic cars only. The starter neutral switch has FOUR terminals (two wires for start enable circuit and two wires for backup lights). So, the neutral switch had a dual function (start enable and backup lights). On manual transmission cars, Ford provided (OPTIONALLY) a backup light switch and there was no start enable function on that switch. Both neutral switch on Fordomatics and backup light switches were located at the base of the steering column (under the hood near the steering gearbox). The fordomatic neutral switch was a completely different switch than the maunual trans backup light switch and both had different mounting brackets. Once upon a time, the repro parts suppliers were offering a "duplicate of original" backup light switch and bracket for the '55/56 cars. Can't speak for quality. The Fordomatic neutral safety switch is still offered and looks like the original but materials and workmanship are woefully substandard. Made in China.