Car Transmission Neutral Safety Switch
What is a Neutral Safety Switch?
A neutral safety switch is a safety feature that prevents a car from starting in gear. It is a small switch that is located on the transmission. When the transmission is in neutral, the switch is closed, which allows the car to start. When the transmission is in any other gear, the switch is open, which prevents the car from starting.
How Does a Neutral Safety Switch Work?
The neutral safety switch works by completing the electrical circuit between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. When the transmission is in neutral, the switch is closed, which allows current to flow from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. This causes the starter solenoid to engage, which starts the engine.
When the transmission is in any other gear, the switch is open, which prevents current from flowing from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. This prevents the starter solenoid from engaging, which prevents the engine from starting.
What are the Symptoms of a Faulty Neutral Safety Switch?
The symptoms of a faulty neutral safety switch can include:
- The car won’t start in gear.
- The car starts in gear even when the transmission is in neutral.
- The car stalls when it is put into gear.
- The car lurches forward or backward when it is put into gear.
How to Test a Neutral Safety Switch
To test a neutral safety switch, you will need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting. Then, disconnect the electrical connector from the neutral safety switch. Touch one lead of the multimeter to the terminal on the neutral safety switch that is connected to the ignition switch. Touch the other lead of the multimeter to the terminal on the neutral safety switch that is connected to the starter solenoid.
If the neutral safety switch is working properly, the multimeter will read infinity when the transmission is in any gear other than neutral. When the transmission is in neutral, the multimeter will read 0 ohms.
How to Replace a Neutral Safety Switch
To replace a neutral safety switch, you will need the following tools:
- A socket wrench
- A screwdriver
- A new neutral safety switch
To replace the neutral safety switch, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Locate the neutral safety switch on the transmission.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the neutral safety switch.
- Unscrew the bolts that hold the neutral safety switch in place.
- Remove the old neutral safety switch and replace it with the new one.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the neutral safety switch in place.
- Reconnect the electrical connector to the neutral safety switch.
- Connect the negative battery terminal.
Conclusion
The neutral safety switch is an important safety feature that prevents a car from starting in gear. If you experience any of the symptoms of a faulty neutral safety switch, it is important to have it tested and replaced as soon as possible.
