The neutral safety switch is the device that allows cars with an automatic transmission to start only when it is in neutral or park mode. The main function of a neutral safety switch is to stop the vehicle from starting while it is in gear to prevent the car from unanticipated forward movement.
In the working of a neutral safety switch, the battery delivers current to the starter of your engine when you turn the key to start it (or push a button).
This instructs the engine starter to start the vehicle, allowing you to travel. If your car is in a gear other than neutral or park, the neutral safety switch merely interrupts that current. Only cars with automatic transmissions are subject to this. In manual gearboxes, the clutch pedal is connected to a similar device.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a neutral safety switch is, its functions, location, diagram, and how it works. We’ll also explore its symptoms, problems, fixes, and replacement cost of the automobile component.
Let’s begin!
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What is a Neutral Safety Switch?
A neutral safety switch is a safety feature in vehicles with automatic transmissions that prevents the engine from starting when the transmission is in any gear other than Park or Neutral. It does this by interrupting the electrical circuit to the starter motor when the transmission is not in the correct position.
The automatic transmission can only be started when it is in park or neutral, thanks to a safety feature called the neutral safety switch. The neutral safety switch’s main function is to stop the vehicle from starting while it is in gear to avoid an unanticipated forward thrust.
The main function of the neutral safety switch is to ensure the vehicle doesn’t start while in gear, which could cause the engine to start and potentially move the vehicle if it’s not in Park or Neutral.
Since the 1950s and the 1980s, nearly all production vehicles with automatic transmissions have been equipped with neutral safety switches. The neutral safety switch is something that most people rarely consider. Unfortunately, if one starts to fail, your car could have a lot of issues.
Location
The neutral safety switch is usually located on the side of the automatic transmission, near the shifter linkage.
How Does a Neutral Safety Switch Work?
Your car battery sends current to your engine’s starter when the start button is turned; the starter cranks the engine and then allows it to work on its power. The neutral safety switch here stops the current from starting if the gear is not in neutral or park.
This is only applicable for vehicles with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions have a similar switch to the clutch pedal. The clutch neutral switch prevents a vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pressed. This is a simpler design than the neutral safety switch for automatics.
The switch is typically connected to the shifter linkage and is activated when the transmission is in Park or Neutral. When activated, it completes the electrical circuit to the starter motor, allowing the engine to start.
A defective neutral safety switch, which may be found in the linkage or the transmission box, might harm your car’s engine and transmission permanently. One of the many features in cars designed to prevent accidents and mishaps is the neutral safety switch.
When the engine is not in park or neutral, the switch prevents the engine from starting. By doing this, the danger of starting an automated vehicle in drive or reverse is removed.
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Diagram
How to Fix a Neutral Safety Switch
The neutral safety switch is not often a simple component to replace due to its position. The majority of people just decide to have their car serviced. This is generally a wise course of action when dealing with electrical issues. However, there are some actions everyone can take to solve an issue.
A bad neutral safety switch will display many of the same symptoms as a damaged starter or battery. To start correcting a problem, make sure you’ve correctly diagnosed it.
Put the brakes on and start the ignition. Then, rotate the shift selector between the various gears to check if the car can start in any of them. If it performs differently than planned, there is probably a problem with the neutral safety switch.
You can also try moving your shifter if your engine won’t start, which is another tip. It can require a small push to return to the proper position if the neutral safety switch has been improperly positioned.
Once you’ve established that the problem is with the neutral safety switch, you may use your car’s handbook to identify the old one and install a new one. Just keep in mind to first unplug the battery! You can also take your car to a reliable repair shop if you’re scared to handle your own electrical work.
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What is the neutral safety replacement cost?
The cost of the neutral safety switch varies depending on the type of vehicle; however, in the UAE, it ranges from about AED 100 to AED 270 on average, with labor costs varying from service center to service center.
You can choose from any of the top apps for auto maintenance and repair in Dubai and order a broken neutral safety switch when you need one.
Symptoms Of A Bad Neutral Safety Switch
When the neutral safety switch goes bad, you will begin to experience one of the following symptoms: the engine won’t crank, the car will only start in neutral mode, you’ll have serious trouble starting the car, the engine will start at any gear, the check engine light will be illuminated, the car will stall or hesitate, and finally the transmission won’t shift properly.
1. Engine Won’t Crank.
When a neutral safety switch is broken, a car frequently fails to start at all. There are times when a failed switch can sometimes start working again while stationary if you shift gears quickly.
2. The car starts only in neutral mode.
Once you’ve switched on the ignition key and put the transmission in park, your car should start. However, if the engine doesn’t run, your car’s neutral safety switch is broken.
It’s also critical to keep in mind that this problem could also be a sign of other problems, like faulty starters, battery problems, or the failure of any other part of the car. For this reason, getting advice from a licensed mechanic may be a smart option.
3. Trouble Starting Car.
The first and most noticeable sign of a faulty neutral safety switch is when your automobile struggles to start or does not start at all. If you have more experience, the alternator or battery may be the first thing that comes to mind when your car won’t start.
4. Engine Starts In Any Gear.
There is a strong possibility that the safety switch is having internal problems, such as a short circuit, if the car starts even when it is in gear. It is important to keep in mind that if this occurs, your car poses a major safety risk.
In other words, the situation is more like having a car without a neutral safety switch. Therefore, replace the switch as soon as you can to prevent major errors or damages.
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5. Check engine light is illuminated.
Did you know that your car uses a variety of warning lights to alert you of internal issues? One of the most typical ones is the check engine light; while it may not always indicate a serious issue, it is still important to pay attention to it because it may indicate a serious failure.
When your check engine light comes on, it may indicate a wide range of potential issues, and it can be very challenging to figure out what exactly is wrong. For instance, a damaged or defective neutral switch may result in the check engine light appearing.
You can only be sure if you rely on some scanning technologies.
6. Vehicle Stalling or Hesitating.
You will have a very difficult time driving your car when your neutral safety switch fails, in addition to the first two symptoms stated. The vehicle will act up and notice that it’s stalling or probably hesitating every time you hit the gas pedal or try to slow down your car.
This is a pretty general problem that could be caused by several different possible offenders.
7. Transmission Not Shifting Properly
The systems in a new vehicle operate as a single unit, so if the neutral safety switch stops working, you might notice that your transmission is shifting gears improperly.
Therefore, don’t forget to check the neutral safety switch when you’re examining the list of necessary components for your transmission issue, since if it’s the one that’s acting up, it’s unlikely that you’re in a serious position.
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Bottom Line
The neutral safety switch has the important role of preventing your car from starting when it’s in park or neutral modes. It’s crucial to address any issues with this switch promptly.
FAQs
What activates the neutral safety switch?
When the key is turned to the on position, the switch, which functions essentially as a relay, obtains a constant power source. The starter motor receives the current when the key is turned to the “start” position.
What are the signs of a neutral safety switch?
The engine may not crank in park or neutral, may not crank at all, or may crank in any gear, as are typical symptoms of a broken neutral safety switch.
Where is the neutral safety switch usually located?
It should resemble a cigarette lighter and is often found next to the shifter. Look near the gear shifter if your vehicle has a column switch. The neutral safety switch needs to be screwed onto the transmission’s side.
What problems can a neutral safety switch cause?
When the engine is not in park or neutral, the switch prevents the engine from starting. The risk of starting an automatic vehicle in drive or reverse is eliminated. A defective neutral safety switch, which may be found in the linkage or the transmission box, might harm your car’s engine and transmission permanently.