The neutral safety switch, also known as the ignition interlock switch, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation of your W210 E320 Mercedes-Benz. It serves two main functions related to the vehicle's transmission and starting system.
Transmission:
1. Drive Engagement Restriction: The neutral safety switch prevents the vehicle from being started in gear. This safety feature is particularly important in automatic transmission vehicles, ensuring that the car does not jolt forward or backward upon starting, which could lead to accidents or injuries.
2. Releasing Transmission Lock: When you press down on the brake pedal, the neutral safety switch receives a signal. In vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, this action releases a lock that allows the transmission to shift out of "Park." Consequently, you can move the gear selector to the desired driving gear, such as "Drive" or "Reverse."
Starting System:
3. Starter Circuit Completion: The neutral safety switch also plays a role in enabling the starter motor. When you turn the key to the "Start" position, the switch detects that the transmission is in "Park" and completes the circuit. This allows electricity to flow to the starter motor, engaging the engine.
4. Preventing Accidental Starts: By requiring the transmission to be in "Park" or "Neutral" before allowing the engine to crank, the neutral safety switch prevents unintended vehicle starts that could result in accidents.
If there are issues with the neutral safety switch, it can lead to various problems, such as the car not starting or the inability to shift out of "Park." In such cases, it's essential to have the switch inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
