parking brake switch

I have an MTD 13AM772G755 (2007 WalMart) riding mower. When I engage the parking brake the plate does not hit on the top of the plunger on the switch, instead, it hits on the side of the plunger. When the key is turned to start the engine the plunger is not engaged enough to allow current flow through the system. If I push the pedal down all the way the engine will start. Upon inspection, I discovered the problem that it is hitting on the side. I cannot see any way of adjusting either the switch or the plate. Can anyone tell me how I can solve this problem? As a temporary solution, I've glued a metal cap onto the plunger that will enlargen the surface so the plate will push from the top instead of the side. I haven't reinstalled the switch yet so don't know how well my invention will work.

My car idea worked just fine. I still can't figure out why the plate doesn't strike in the right place, as there are no adjustments that I could see.