Abstract: A neutral start switch is provided for sensing the position of a manually operated shift lever to select between a plurality of predetermined operating modes. A plate member is movable in response to movement of the shift lever and provided with a cam surface composed of electrically conductive and non-conductive areas. At least two sensors are mounted in the transmission and positioned to communicate with the cam surface of the plate member. Electrical contacts are associated with the sensors such that a binary code is generated indicative of the shift lever position.