Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

C6 electrical

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 29, 2017 | 04:21 PM
  #1  
Grampa jepp's Avatar
Grampa jepp
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Francis
C6 electrical

I bought a 79 f150, rwd, 460 w/c6 trans. Trans is stuck in drive, yet gearshift feels like it shifts through all gears, but doesn't.
Anyway, he supplied a used trans, and am in the process of swapping them out. Original trans has some sort of three wire switch on the shifter mechanism, that turns with shifting. Shaft has groove for switch. Wires run up to a connector at firewall, near heater box. I never thought to see where the harness runs from there before writing this.
New trans doesn't have the groove in the shaft, and not a tight enough fit to turn switch.
My question is, what is this switch for? And I suspect swapping out shifter shaft is a big job.




 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2017 | 04:45 PM
  #2  
march's Avatar
march
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 13
From: Port Orchard Wa
It's the neutral safety switch. Keeps truck from starting while in gear and toggles the backup lights.

Any idea what year the replacement tranny is? Prior to 78, the neutral safety switch was up on the steering column. Whole different set up.

I don't think the swap out of the shaft is that difficult, but It's been too long since I was into the guts of one to say for sure. Hopefully someone else will chime in.
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2017 | 04:49 PM
  #3  
Grampa jepp's Avatar
Grampa jepp
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Francis
Homer Simpson moment. DUH!!!!!!
No idea what trans came out of. Guess I will look into seeing how hard it is to change shift shafts. Or, look for another trans. Or, hotwire switch until the major restoration.
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2017 | 04:54 PM
  #4  
mikeo0o0o0's Avatar
mikeo0o0o0
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Club FTE Gold Member
That is the neutral start switch. It controls both the neutral safety start and the back-up lights. 73-77 the switch was mounted on the steering column, in 78 Ford moved it to the side of the transmission.
Swapping the shafts isn't that big of a deal, especially with both trans on the bench. You need to drop the pan, remove the valve body, remove the nut that retains the shaft (7/8" box wrench). Because the kickdown shaft won't come all the way out (It hits the clutch drum), you need to "snake" the wrench over the shaft arm to get the wrench on the nut.
It may sound complicated but is actually pretty simple.
 
Attached Images      
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jon351m
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jun 22, 2012 06:30 PM
William
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Mar 8, 2011 08:38 AM
MTrumpy
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jul 19, 2007 08:08 PM
innkeeper
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Feb 1, 2005 08:03 PM
Ervin
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Dec 16, 2004 04:46 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:01 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE