Technical neutral safety function on 1948 pontiac automatic

my manual states that there is a neutral safety function on my 1948 pontiac silver streak automatic.. it implies that the function is 'mechanical' such that if you push the starter rod the transmission will automatically go into neutral. Mine does not function in that I can push the starter rod in any drive. therefore, the car will start in any gear--not a good arrangement . anyone know about this function on this year pontiac?

 

I'd look around the starter rod linkage and the transmission linkage for something unusual, like an electric or mechanical neutral safety mechanism.

 

Neutral safety switch is on top of the shift linkage under the hood. Normally, it'll have 2 or 4 wires, depending on if your car has backup lights. '48 may be too early for the 4 wire ...