Hello I have a new 1955 ford with the fordomatic transmission. The car would not start and I traced to a bad neutral safety switch. I have replaced the switch but it seems like it will only start in neutral . This is my first automatic so I would like to know should the car start in "Park" and well as "neutral" I As of now the new switch I have installed only starts in neutral. Thanks for any reply.

As Walter Kronkite used to say, "and that's the way it is". Starting in park didn't come along until 1958, I believe.

Starting in PARK didn't happen until a few years later.

Maybe I've got a problem. My new 56 starts in park. Oh well, something else to look at
Jim

Just may have the newer style switch .

As others have said, up to 57 all the Fordos (including Merc's) started only in neutral.  The new switch came out in 58 and started in both park and neutral.  Supposedly, the 58 switch fits the 55-57.  





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

The 58 Switch is a direct replacement for the 55-57  Switch. Several different Part #'s were used over the Years. I can post some #'s if anyone is interested. They are available on Ebay.

  

Yes I think I would like the part numbers being able to start my car in park would be a good thing. Does the switch also have contacts for the back up lights thanks

Yes it does still operate backup Lights. As I recall even the wiring terminals are the same as stock Switch. There is one on Ebay now. C1TF-7A247-A. I will post the other Part #'s on Saturday. Have to find my Notebook where I wrote all the #'s down. 

  

DAAAANG! Is that so?

My 55 had the same 'problem.' I actually spent weeks trying to find out why the car wouldn't crank as sad as that sounds. Part of the problem was the worn starter, but I was convinced there was a problem with the solenoid or activation wire to the solenoid. It was only later I realized it was the neutral safety switch. Thing is though, I figured the NSW was bad since the car could only start in neutral.. I had no idea that's how it's supposed to function.

Right now I have the NSW totally bypassed, I have the two wires going to it connected directly so the car will crank in any gear. I rely on my own carefulness not to crank the car in drive or something.