I came to that conclusion too after reading over a few other posts like this one - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=176706&highlight=neutral+safety+switch.

So does the transmission linkage rod with the bushing at each end connect to the neutral safety switch somehow? I don't recall it being attached in any way and if it was, I certainly didn't do anything to reattach it when I reinstalled the linkage rod. That could very likely be my problem I hope.

__________________
Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles