How to tell if a neutral safety switch is bad

All modern cars equipped with an automatic transmission have some sort of neutral safety switch to prevent the car from starting while in gear. A neutral safety switch is an essential electronic component in any automatic transmission vehicle. Its function is to prevent the starter from working while the car is in gear.

This is why your car will only start when the transmission is in “Park . The neutral safety switch will prevent accidental starting of the.

I know from experience that these silly things can get .

One is the large bolt that is attached to the main positive battery cable.

One is the small wire that is sometimes purple that is attached to the ignition switch key. The Neutral Safety - Duration: 1:19. How to test an inhibitor switch or neutral safety switch.

Most multi-meters have this function. The battery in my multi-meter was . This article originally appeared on YourMechanic. A standard transmission car utilizes and clutch safety switch in place of the neutral safety switch which accomplishes the same objective. On some vehicles, if the transmission range sensor fails, the transmission can still be mechanically placed into gear, but the PCM will not know which gear that is. The transmission will be hydraulically and mechanically locked into one specific gear for safety , a situation known as limp mode.

This switch usually also monitors gear selection data as well, that is transmitted back to the computer. This switch is connected to the starter solenoid which allows it to complete the starter circuit only when the transmission is in park or neutral. In some cases, if the switch is bad , it will not allow the car to start . The clutch safety switch is designed to close and provide electricity when the pedal is depressed. However, if the switch fails, it will not be able to provide power for the starting . Knowing the simple PIDs that your scan tool can show you will make it easier to diagnose even a. There are tests you can do to verify all the different components of your starting system.

Including your Neutral safety switch (NSS) or Clutch pedal position sensor if you have . Check to see if battery voltage is coming out of the wires leading to the rest of the starter circuit in the Park and Neutral positions.