The first gear/reverse gate switch of the present invention includes a detent switch including a contact pin and a contact switch. When a manual transmission is shifted to a gear not in the first gear/reverse gate, the contact pin of the detent switch engages a recessed portion on a detent mechanism such that the contact pin does not engage the contact switch. This indicates that the transmission is not in a gear in the first gear/reverse gate. When the manual transmission is shifted to a gear in the first gear/reverse gate, the interlock moves the detent, pushing the contact pin into engagement with the contact switch. This indicates that the transmission is in a gear in the first gear/reverse gate. The spring forces the detent into a “relaxed position” when not in the first gear or the reverse gate, breaking switch contact.