Chrysler 300 Neutral Safety Switch Guide for the 1979 Model Year
Keep your classic 1979 Chrysler 300 starting reliably and safely with the right neutral safety switch.
- Verify you own a 1979 Chrysler 300; this part is not for other years mistakenly called a 300.
- New aftermarket parts are available by searching for a 1975-1979 Chrysler Cordoba.
- Symptoms like 'no-start' can mimic a bad starter, but testing if the car starts in Neutral is a key diagnostic step.
- If your car can start in gear, stop driving it immediately and replace the switch to prevent accidents.
Is Your Car a 1979 Chrysler 300?
Before you shop for parts, it's important to know exactly what you have. The Chrysler 300 built between 1978 and 1982 was a specific, one-year-only model for 1979. It was a special high-performance package based on the Chrysler Cordoba platform. If you have a Chrysler from this era that is not a 1979 model, you likely have a Chrysler Cordoba, as no other "300" models were produced in 1978, 1980, 1981, or 1982. This guide is specifically for the 1979 Chrysler 300 and its platform-mate, the 1975-1979 Chrysler Cordoba, which shared the same B-body chassis and TorqueFlite transmission.
Symptoms of a Failing Neutral Safety Switch
A bad neutral safety switch can cause confusing problems that might make you think you have a bad starter or battery. Here are the most common signs:
- No Start in Park or Neutral: You turn the key and nothing happens. The dashboard lights may come on, but the engine doesn't crank at all.
- Starts in One Gear Only: The car might start in Neutral but not in Park, or the other way around. This often points to a misaligned or failing switch.
- Engine Cranks in Any Gear: This is a serious safety risk. If the switch fails in a 'closed' position, it can allow the engine to start while in Drive or Reverse. If this happens, replace the switch immediately.
- Reverse Lights Don't Work: If your backup lights are out and you're also having starting problems, the neutral safety switch is a likely culprit as it often controls both functions.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part
Contrary to what you might think for a classic car, new aftermarket neutral safety switches for your 1979 Chrysler 300 are available because the part is shared with the more common 1975-1979 Chrysler Cordoba.
Aftermarket Brand Quality
| Brand Tier | Brands | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Aftermarket | Standard Motor Products (SMP), Duralast, Carquest | These are widely available and reliable choices. Standard Motor Products is a well-regarded brand for automotive electronics. Duralast and Carquest are trusted parts store brands that offer a good balance of quality and value. |
| New Old Stock (NOS) OEM | Mopar | Finding a new, 40-year-old Mopar part is rare and will be expensive. While it's the original, a quality new aftermarket part is often a more practical choice. These are typically found through specialty Mopar parts suppliers. |
| Used OEM | Mopar (from a salvage yard) | This is a budget option, but risky. You don't know the history of the part, and it could fail soon after installation. Only consider this if a new part is absolutely not available. |
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
For a vehicle of this age, official manufacturer documentation is scarce. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show no specific recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the neutral safety switch on the 1979 Chrysler Cordoba or 300. Any issues you experience are likely due to the age and normal wear of the original component.
Pro Tip: Check Your Wiring
Before replacing the switch, inspect the wiring harness and connector. After decades of heat and exposure, the plastic connector can become brittle and the wires can corrode. Sometimes, simply cleaning the contacts or repairing the connector pigtail can solve the problem without needing a new switch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just bypass the neutral safety switch?
While it is technically possible to bypass the switch for a temporary fix, it is strongly discouraged. Bypassing it removes the safety feature that prevents the car from starting in gear, creating a serious risk of an accident. It should only be done for emergency diagnostic purposes.
Is the problem my switch or my starter?
A good test is to see if the car starts in Neutral when it won't start in Park. If it does, the neutral safety switch is almost certainly the problem. If it doesn't start in either gear, you could still have a bad switch, but you should also test the battery and starter circuit to be sure.
Where is the neutral safety switch located?
On the TorqueFlite automatic transmission used in your 1979 Chrysler 300, the neutral safety switch is a three-terminal switch located on the outside of the transmission case, near where the gear shift linkage attaches.
Will a switch for a 1980 Cordoba fit my 1979 300?
No, it is unlikely. In 1980, the Chrysler Cordoba moved to a different, smaller chassis (the J-body). Parts from 1980 and newer models are generally not interchangeable with your 1979 B-body car. You should specifically look for parts listed for the 1975-1979 Chrysler Cordoba.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 2926495 3747370 J3218190
3-terminal switch, transmission case mounted
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.