what is this, park switch? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Waldoe · 12-06-2015, 06:11 PM

This under the steering column. It looks like some sort of transformer, the wires are not connected to anything, and it appears to do nothing. Maybe on top of the steering column there is "saftey switch to only start in park" . Only thought I can come up with. I have never saw a steering column out before. Thanks

hugger6933 · 12-06-2015, 06:37 PM

The NSS[= Neutral Safety Switch] is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall and about 3 inches long in an arching motion at the column tube conforming to the tube just a few inches above the cowl. It has dual functions, one is a switch to allow the truck to start only in park or neutral, and also light the reverse lamp when that gear is chosen. It has a tang that rides in a groove in the shifter tube that corresponds with the gears selected.

hugger6933 · 12-06-2015, 06:38 PM

It is also held on by two tiny little screws on opposite ends of the switch.

Andy4639 · 12-06-2015, 07:20 PM

That picture isn't the best. I can't make out anything. It looks like someone added something though.

Waldoe · 12-06-2015, 07:45 PM

This is a better pic from under the dash. You can see the speedo cable beside it. It is mounted to the bracket for the steering column. Hugger may have answered what it is, but only a switch would be needed for that, not a transformer if that is what this is. The oic shows the disconnected wires that went to something.

Andy4639 · 12-06-2015, 07:58 PM

That transformer are coil is mind blowing! Ha! No telling what they had hooked up.
I've seen some bizarre stuff on here that people have posted that the person before them had hooked up but this one is way out there.

hugger6933 · 12-06-2015, 08:08 PM

That is def not needed to work the NSS

EARNHARDT#3 · 12-06-2015, 08:42 PM

Follow the wiring.

Waldoe · 12-06-2015, 08:51 PM

It is real easy to follow the wiring. It starts where I marked the line at, and it ends where I marked the other line at. Being as no one knows what it is for, it must not be a stock item, which is all I wanted to know. I can guess as well as anyone. A transformer needs two more wires to do anything, which this does not have. [ input and output ] Thanks

EARNHARDT#3 · 12-06-2015, 09:15 PM

Take it out and throw is in the garbage.

Waldoe · 12-06-2015, 09:18 PM

I think i will leave it there for a while.

ray_mcavoy · 12-06-2015, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldoe

Being as no one knows what it is for, it must not be a stock item, which is all I wanted to know. I can guess as well as anyone. A transformer needs two more wires to do anything, which this does not have. [ input and output ] Thanks

Yeah, that's definitely not a stock item.

With only 2 wires, I'd say it's a choke ... the electrical kind ... not carburetor

---> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choke_%28electronics%29

It was most likely added to combat radio interference from the alternator and/or ignition system. In which case it would have been connected inline with the radio's power supply wire.

Gromit · 12-06-2015, 09:45 PM

Could it be part of a system for an electric trailer brake? (or other system on something being towed like an RV?)

Maybe if you could read the number on the transformer we could look it up and see what voltage it is stepping up or down to - probably all still Direct Current I would hope - in other words not DC to AC..

EARNHARDT#3 · 12-06-2015, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldoe

I think i will leave it there for a while.

Yeah who knows maybe it'll start working.

Waldoe · 12-06-2015, 09:52 PM

choke ,That is an interesting thought. I never new of that. It definitely only has 2 wires, provided nothing comes out the top of it and into the column. It also has a break controller on the truck, and it was built for towing. Has a goose neck ball in the bed. My curiosity is up now. I will look at daylight tommorrow for more info. I think the truck also hauled a camper at times. Thanks for the info.

Hutch · 12-06-2015, 10:08 PM

Just a guess
Step down transformer
To supply the correct voltage for a particular device.
Some thing that is not the typical 12 volts

Andy4639 · 12-06-2015, 10:19 PM

Who cares what it was for! It's not factory are stock are anything to do with the truck in original form what so ever! Trash it. Are leave it alone. It's not hurting anything now!

EARNHARDT#3 · 12-07-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Who cares what it was for!

The OP.

fishyalien · 12-07-2015, 11:39 AM

Looks like an old Radio Shack power transformer for a radio to remove line interference from the alternator and charging system.

ERASER5 · 12-07-2015, 12:41 PM

DO NOT REMOVE IT! Your truck is special. We can all see that it is a Transformer!

But if it doesn't run right and costs you a lot of money, maybe it is really a Decepticon.

**First c10** · 12-07-2015, 12:55 PM

Its a Fire Starter???

I would definitely disconnect it until I found out what it was and if it is needed.....

Andy4639 · 12-07-2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EARNHARDT#3

The OP.

You sure about that! We've already figured out it's not needed for the truck to run and that it's not a factory option so what good is it? It's not hooked up to anything either by the way.

Quote:

EARNHARDT#3
Follow the wiring.

The OP stated that in his first post that it wasn't hooked up.

EARNHARDT#3 · 12-07-2015, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy4639

you sure about that! We've already figured out it's not needed for the truck to run and that it's not a factory option so what good is it? It's not hooked up to anything either by the way.

the op stated that in his first post that it wasn't hooked up.

👍🏻👍🏻

**Grumpy old man** · 12-07-2015, 05:55 PM

Do not remove ! It's an original FLUX CAPACITOR PROTOTYPE IF YOU REMOVE IT YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED BACK TO 1969 ....Groovy baby !

Now I have to go crawl under all my trucks looking for another one ! I'm ready to go back to 69 !!!!!!!!

12-06-2015, 06:11 PM	#1
Waldoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 40	what is this, park switch? This under the steering column. It looks like some sort of transformer, the wires are not connected to anything, and it appears to do nothing. Maybe on top of the steering column there is "saftey switch to only start in park" . Only thought I can come up with. I have never saw a steering column out before. Thanks Attached Images __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom 2500 265/70/16, th400, 502ht

12-06-2015, 06:37 PM	#2
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,277	Re: what is this, park switch? The NSS[= Neutral Safety Switch] is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall and about 3 inches long in an arching motion at the column tube conforming to the tube just a few inches above the cowl. It has dual functions, one is a switch to allow the truck to start only in park or neutral, and also light the reverse lamp when that gear is chosen. It has a tang that rides in a groove in the shifter tube that corresponds with the gears selected.

12-06-2015, 07:20 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,943	Re: what is this, park switch? That picture isn't the best. I can't make out anything. It looks like someone added something though. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-06-2015, 07:45 PM	#5
Waldoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 40	Re: what is this, park switch? This is a better pic from under the dash. You can see the speedo cable beside it. It is mounted to the bracket for the steering column. Hugger may have answered what it is, but only a switch would be needed for that, not a transformer if that is what this is. The oic shows the disconnected wires that went to something. Attached Images __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom 2500 265/70/16, th400, 502ht

12-06-2015, 07:58 PM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,943	Re: what is this, park switch? That transformer are coil is mind blowing! Ha! No telling what they had hooked up. I've seen some bizarre stuff on here that people have posted that the person before them had hooked up but this one is way out there. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-06-2015, 06:38 PM	#3
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,277	Re: what is this, park switch? It is also held on by two tiny little screws on opposite ends of the switch.

12-06-2015, 08:08 PM	#7
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,277	Re: what is this, park switch? That is def not needed to work the NSS

12-06-2015, 08:42 PM	#8
EARNHARDT#3 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: PA Posts: 1,417	Re: what is this, park switch? Follow the wiring. __________________ 1967 C10, LWB, 250, Powerglide, PS, PB, 3/4 STATIC DROP

12-06-2015, 08:51 PM	#9
Waldoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 40	Re: what is this, park switch? It is real easy to follow the wiring. It starts where I marked the line at, and it ends where I marked the other line at. Being as no one knows what it is for, it must not be a stock item, which is all I wanted to know. I can guess as well as anyone. A transformer needs two more wires to do anything, which this does not have. [ input and output ] Thanks __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom 2500 265/70/16, th400, 502ht

12-06-2015, 09:15 PM	#10
EARNHARDT#3 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: PA Posts: 1,417	Re: what is this, park switch? Take it out and throw is in the garbage. __________________ 1967 C10, LWB, 250, Powerglide, PS, PB, 3/4 STATIC DROP

12-06-2015, 09:18 PM	#11
Waldoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 40	Re: what is this, park switch? I think i will leave it there for a while. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom 2500 265/70/16, th400, 502ht

12-06-2015, 09:45 PM	#13
Gromit Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 500	Re: what is this, park switch? Could it be part of a system for an electric trailer brake? (or other system on something being towed like an RV?) Maybe if you could read the number on the transformer we could look it up and see what voltage it is stepping up or down to - probably all still Direct Current I would hope - in other words not DC to AC..

12-06-2015, 09:52 PM	#15
Waldoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 40	Re: what is this, park switch? choke ,That is an interesting thought. I never new of that. It definitely only has 2 wires, provided nothing comes out the top of it and into the column. It also has a break controller on the truck, and it was built for towing. Has a goose neck ball in the bed. My curiosity is up now. I will look at daylight tommorrow for more info. I think the truck also hauled a camper at times. Thanks for the info. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom 2500 265/70/16, th400, 502ht

12-06-2015, 10:08 PM	#16
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	Re: what is this, park switch? Just a guess Step down transformer To supply the correct voltage for a particular device. Some thing that is not the typical 12 volts __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

12-06-2015, 10:19 PM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,943	Re: what is this, park switch? Who cares what it was for! It's not factory are stock are anything to do with the truck in original form what so ever! Trash it. Are leave it alone. It's not hurting anything now! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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12-07-2015, 11:39 AM	#19
fishyalien Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Westminster, Co Posts: 22	Re: what is this, park switch? Looks like an old Radio Shack power transformer for a radio to remove line interference from the alternator and charging system.

12-07-2015, 12:41 PM	#20
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: what is this, park switch? DO NOT REMOVE IT! Your truck is special. We can all see that it is a Transformer! But if it doesn't run right and costs you a lot of money, maybe it is really a Decepticon. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

12-07-2015, 12:55 PM	#21
First c10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Los Banos CA Posts: 2,705	Re: what is this, park switch? Its a Fire Starter??? I would definitely disconnect it until I found out what it was and if it is needed..... __________________ 1956 Chevy Bel Air 2 door 1956 Chevy 210 4 Door 1970 K20 LWB project the Hulk build w/Supercharged 4.8L-ly2/4L60E HULK BUILD 1970 C10 Yellow/White Deluxe LWB w/ 5.3L-LC9/6L80E 1968 K10 LWB Dark green my son calls it "THE HULK Jr"HULK JR SOLD GO GO!!!

12-07-2015, 05:55 PM	#24
Grumpy old man Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Gods country East,Tn Posts: 8,545	Re: what is this, park switch? Do not remove ! It's an original FLUX CAPACITOR PROTOTYPE IF YOU REMOVE IT YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED BACK TO 1969 ....Groovy baby ! Now I have to go crawl under all my trucks looking for another one ! I'm ready to go back to 69 !!!!!!!!

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