Neural cluster

The neural cluster, located on the back of the neck, is the weakest spot on any Transformer.

Fiction

Marvel The Transformers comics

Death's Head figured that a direct hit to the neural cluster would take out even Galvatron. Unsurprisingly, Galvatron decided to beat the slag out of him rather than let him test this theory. Fire on High!

Dreamwave Generation One continuity

In robot mode Eject carried two electric overload rifles that shorted out the cerebro-circuitry in a target's neural cluster. Eject's More than Meets the Eye profile Mindwipe's viper pistol fired toxic liquid that paralyzed its target's neural cluster. Mindwipe's More than Meets the Eye profile

2005 IDW continuity

A sudden impact to the neural cluster could trigger the transformation cog in what was known as an involuntary mode spasm. Little Victories No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases A Spark Among Embers

After Ambulon joined the Lost Light, a curious Swerve bonked him on the neural cluster and caused him to transform to leg mode. No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases

In an attempt to discover the nature of Rung's alternate mode (and win a 100 Shanix bet), Swerve "accidentally" and repeatedly struck him on the neural cluster in hopes of triggering an involuntary transformation. Little Victories

The neural cluster's link to the transformation cog was weaponized to defeat the Functionist Council of an alternate timeline. By ramming Luna 1 into the neural cluster of the invaders' Primus avatar, Fortress Maximus was able to revert the giant robot to planet mode. A Spark Among Embers

Notes

• The location of the neural cluster wasn't mentioned in "Fire on High!", but was confirmed in a letter column.