Part question

[Peter]

when I took my car apart I took pictures. here a picture of the switch that is linked to the automatic gear. Apparently the component with the arrow is close by.

Does anyone know what this is and where it belongs

Thanks, Peter

[Pawel66]

Is it not the switch cutting off starter when gear selector is not in P or N? Goes on the fire wall.

[Jonny B]

The part by the blue arrow is the mounting bracket for the neutral safety switch. The switch is mounted to the bracket and then the bracket is bolted to the firewall.

Just went out and took a snap of the set up in my 280 SL.

[Peter]

Thanks Jonny,

Location is now clear, but the function/construction not completely.
If I see it well on the picture the bracket is holding the blue “thing” behind the bracket? Or am I mistaken? Where is it going see right arrow? How does it work.. 

Thanks Peter   

[Shvegel]

Peter,
The blue arrow bracket if=s bolted to the car with the holes down and the two threaded studs up.  The switch is bolted to the bracket by using the two metal studs and two nuts.  Essentially the blue arrow bracket just raises the switch up a bit.

[Pawel66]

I think the blue arrow bracket is just a "spacer washer". Firewall (the blue part) is not even, the switch is.

[Jonny B]

On my picture the "blue thing" behind the bracket is the firewall. My car is DB 904 dark blue.

[Peter]

On my picture the "blue thing" behind the bracket is the firewall. My car is DB 904 dark blue.

Jonny,

Mounting is clear, thanks.
But how is it working as a “neutral safety switch”?

[Pawel66]

Well, the lever on this switch is connected to the gear shift mechanism on the transmission.

It does two things:
1. It disconnects the power between the ignition key in "starter" position and starter switch solenoid (so that the starter will not turn) when gear selector is in 2, 3, 4 or R. It connects power from ignition key to starter solenoid when gear selector is in N or P - when it is safe to start the car.
2. It switches on back up lights when the gear selector is in R position.

[Peter]

Well, the lever on this switch is connected to the gear shift mechanism on the transmission.

It does two things:
1. It disconnects the power between the ignition key in "starter" position and starter switch solenoid (so that the starter will not turn) when gear selector is in 2, 3, 4 or R. It connects power from ignition key to starter solenoid when gear selector is in N or P - when it is safe to start the car.
2. It switches on back up lights when the gear selector is in R position.

Thanks, all clear to me, but what does that thing with the blue arrow?

[Pawel66]

It is just a spacer/support.