I just removed my old neutral safety switch in. my 29 model A but I didn't have it in neutral. Does it really matter ? I think I am supposed to ensure it is in neutral before removing the switch. Will I be able to just slide it back in place and then put it in neutral to remove the NSS properly ?
Why did you remove the NSS? I don't think it matters what gear you are in when you remove it as long as the NSS is engaged in neutral and park to ensure you can only start the car in these two settings. I hope you are going to reinstall it.
Warren
I was very tired from doing property chores all day & my right knee and left elbow are still healing from tendonitis. It was getting late in the day but I wanted to make some progress on the car since the weather has been so nice lately. Perfect weather to work in the garage. But being so tired, I forgot that every source tells me NOT to remove the NSS unless the shift is in neutral. I remembered later in the evening when relaxing. I am hoping to place the NSS back on today correctly with no harm done, put it in neutral and then remove it.
We did a continuity check on the wiring last Fall and decided my NSS was not working and should be replaced. I bought a new one and was just removing the old one yesterday.
Since you're running a 289 I'll assume the trans is a C-4. I've replaced the NSS on the Falcon and it didn't need to be indexed from what I recall( it was a few years ago) and Wuga is correct, the car should only start in Neutral and/or Park. I believe your back-up lights should be activated by the switch as well - unless you've by-passed that circuit through a toggle switch. Make certain your garage door is open and the car is pointed to the opening when you start it the first time......just sayin'. A buddy of mine mashed his tilt-front small-block Vega against a block wall due to a similar gaff.