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C3 Neutral Switch

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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 01:18 PM
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Default C3 Neutral Switch

I recently purchased a 1973 c3 and have discovered that the neutral safety switch has been bypassed. I have ordered a replacement switch. My question is can I install the switch and get my back up lights to work but leave the neutral safety bypassed? Also I’m new here this is my first post and this is my first vette so go easy on me I’m still learning!
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 02:25 PM
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Welcome to Corvette Forum! Your question will be moved to the C3 forum. Someone there may be able to help.
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 03:57 PM
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Why would you ever want to bypass the neutral start switch?
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 04:01 PM
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I assume the switch was bad. It was bypassed and without a switch when I got it. Without that switch the back up lights won’t work.
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1960
I assume the switch was bad. It was bypassed and without a switch when I got it. Without that switch the back up lights won’t work.
Understood but why would you want to bypass the neutral safety start function with the new switch? If you insist on doing this just connect the two heavy wires (probably yellow and purple) together.
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 05:32 PM
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It has a automatic transmission.
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1960
It has a automatic transmission.
No matter. Why do you want to bypass the neural safe function with an automatic?
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 09:35 PM
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Do you know what the neutral safety switch does? It prevents you from starting the vehicle in any range except Neutral or Park (with auto trans). So, why would you not want to do that??
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 09:55 PM
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I know I’m catching a lot of grief over this so let me explain a little more. The neutral safety switch is already bypassed, no switch is present at this time. I have ordered a new one and will install it when I receive it. My question is if I leave the neutral safety switch bypassed and only hook up the backup lights, will the backup lights work or do both have to be hooked up for the backup lights to work?
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 10:02 PM
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 11:03 PM
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You can leave the neutral switch bypass in place. Connecting the backup light switch as shown will get them to work.
My guess is the neutral switch died, got bypassed and then the backup light switch died. They're both in the same switch, just different sets of contacts.
Personally, I'd hook them up as GM designed them- if someone else drives your car, (rare chance I know), and you neglect to tell them it will start in gear, it could cost you plenty getting things fixed.
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Old Aug 31, 2019 | 11:13 PM
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Thanks TimAT, that answered my question. I understand that it is best to have all functions working just wanted to know if backup lights would work without the neutral safety switch part hooked up. Appreciate the info.
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