Thuderbird Neutral Safety Switch

i checked my 96 ford service CD and found out that it is called a transmission range sensor: Transmission Range (TR) Sensor:

The transmission range (TR) sensor:

l is transmission-mounted. l permits the engine to start only in the PARK and NEUTRAL positions. l activates the back-up lamps in the REVERSE position.

The powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) monitors the voltage across a series of step-down resistors that correspond to the position of the manual control lever (7A256). The powertrain control module uses this information in determining desired gear and electronic pressure control (EPC) pressure. hope this helps, it says that it is located on the transmission....i would have someone in the car with the motor off and the key on so the car can be shifted and i would be under the hood looking for moving parts(or under the car looking on both sides of the transmission.. hope this helps.

here is some more info on the thing you want: Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301). Refer to «Section 14-01».
2. Raise vehicle on hoist. Refer to «Section 00-02».
3. Disconnect electrical harness from transmission range (TR) sensor.
4. Remove two retaining bolts.
5. Remove transmission range (TR) sensor.

Installation

1. Make sure manual control lever (7A256) is in the NEUTRAL position.
2. Install transmission range (TR) sensor and loosely install two retaining bolts.
3. Align TR sensor slots using Transmission Range (TR) Sensor (MLPS) Alignment Tool T93P-70010-A.
4. Tighten retaining bolts to 7-10 N-m (5-7 lb-ft) and remove tool.
5. Connect electrical harness to transmission range (TR) sensor.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Connect battery ground cable.
8. Check for proper operation with parking brake control (2780) engaged. The engine should start only in PARK or NEUTRAL.