A funny thing happened while installing new shifter bushings on a 1982 300dt.
After the installation, the starter would not engage in any gear- normally just park with this auto trans. A discussion ensued about the neutral safety switch .No one recalls touching the switch etc but spontaneous things happen at the most inopportune time. The circuit was identified as two wire groups under and near the gas pedal under the rug covering the center console.Black plastic covering the two wire trunks with one containing a violet wire and a violet wire with a white strip leading to a plug.We opened plug, removed pins, unsoldered pins to the two mentioned wires, soldered a jumper wire to the two pins and assembled the plug. We left the two violet wires unattached- now a dead circuit. Car starts . My friend mentions that a switch in the jumper wire is a neat anti thief device. So we elected not to install a new neutral safety switch, although cheap access is a challenge. I am glad it happened in the driveway and not roadside on a snowy night but I still may carry a short jumper wire . I hope this helps someone.