Is there something broken off this tab?

[GBertolet]

This is from a Tecumseh/Ariens electric start mower. The issue is, this metal tab on the interlock switch, interferes with the pinion gear dropping down to fully engage the ring gear. It just grinds, because the gears do not mesh. Is there supposed to be something else on this tab, to prevent this? I have looked quite extensively to get a picture of this switch, from the manuals, , but so far have been unable to do so.

 

[Boomer2230]

That's a picture of a micro switch. What's it wired to?

 

[GBertolet]

It's wired to the starter circuit. The tab must be compressed to activate the micro switch, allowing the starter to operate.