A neutral safety switch is an essential component in any automatic transmission vehicle. It prevents the starter from working when the car is still in gear, ensuring that the engine doesn’t start accidentally. This switch only allows the engine to start when the transmission is in the ‘Park’ or ‘Neutral’ position. Testing the neutral safety switch is vital to ensure it’s functioning properly and preventing any issues.

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Signs Your Neutral Safety Switch May Be Faulty

If your neutral safety switch isn’t working correctly, you may notice the following issues:

• Your car starts in gears other than Park or Neutral
• The backup lights don’t turn on when the vehicle is in reverse
• The gear selection on the dashboard doesn’t match the shift lever
• The car only starts in Neutral
• The car fails to start at all

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to test the neutral safety switch. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to replace the switch. Below are the steps to help you test the switch using basic tools like a test light, jumper wire, or digital multimeter (DMM).

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Step 1: Locate the Neutral Safety Switch

First, you need to find the neutral safety switch. Its location may vary depending on your vehicle model but is typically near the shift mechanism. On column switch cars, the switch is often located near the gear shifter, threaded onto the side of the transmission. If you’re unsure, consult your vehicle’s service manual for the exact location.

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Step 2: Check the Wiring Connections

The neutral safety switch is connected to the starter solenoid via wiring. When the transmission is in gear, the switch remains “open” (disconnected). The switch closes when the transmission is in Park or Neutral, allowing current to flow to the starter. To check the wiring:

To test if the neutral safety switch is receiving power, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the switch from the wiring harness.
• Inspect the wiring for any signs of wear or loose connections.
• If necessary, consult your service manual for the wiring layout.

Step 3: Test for Power

1. Set the gear to Reverse (but don’t start the engine yet).
2. Insert the ignition key and check the wiring harness for power using a 12-volt test light.
3. If the test light illuminates, this indicates the circuit is functioning properly.
4. Reconnect the wiring connector to the neutral safety switch.
5. If the test light does not light up, test the wires for damage or loose connections. If no power is detected, the neutral safety switch may need to be replaced.

Step 4: Perform a Neutral Safety Switch Bypass Test (For Diagnostic Purposes)

You can also bypass the neutral safety switch to determine if it’s faulty:

1. Place the gear in Park and try to start the engine.
2. If the engine doesn’t crank, step on the brake and try starting the engine in Neutral.
3. If the engine starts in Neutral but not Park, the neutral safety switch is likely defective and should be replaced.

Important Safety Notes:

• Always make sure the vehicle is securely parked before performing any tests.
• Use caution when handling electrical components to avoid injury or damage to the vehicle.

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This article was updated on January 8th, 2025 for relevancy of the contents. Please feel free to contact us for any feedback and comments!