How do I reset my neutral safety switch?
If your vehicle is not starting or shifting properly, the issue may be with the neutral safety switch. The neutral safety switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the engine from starting unless the transmission is in neutral or park. Resetting the neutral safety switch can often resolve these types of issues. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reset your neutral safety switch.
What is a Neutral Safety Switch?
The neutral safety switch is an electrical switch that is connected to the transmission. Its primary function is to prevent the engine from starting unless the transmission is in neutral or park. This safety feature helps avoid accidents by ensuring the vehicle cannot be started while in gear. The neutral safety switch sends a signal to the ignition system, allowing the engine to start only when the transmission is in the proper position.
Signs Your Neutral Safety Switch Needs Resetting
- Vehicle won't start when in gear, but starts in neutral or park
- Transmission won't shift out of park
- Backup lights don't work
- Check engine light is on
If you're experiencing any of these issues, resetting the neutral safety switch may resolve the problem.
How to Reset the Neutral Safety Switch
- Locate the neutral safety switch - it is usually located near the transmission or on the steering column.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable to cut power to the switch.
- Wait a few minutes, then reconnect the battery cable.
- Start the engine and check that the vehicle starts in neutral or park, but not in gear.
- If the issue persists, you may need to adjust or replace the neutral safety switch.
Resetting the neutral safety switch is a simple troubleshooting step that can often resolve starting and shifting problems. If the issue continues after resetting the switch, further diagnosis may be required to identify the underlying cause.
How to realign a neutral safety switch?
Loosen its mounting bolts slightly to allow movement. Shift the transmission into neutral, then slide or rotate the switch until it aligns perfectly with the neutral position. Tighten bolts securely. Test by attempting to start the engine in neutral and park positions.
How do you reset a safety switch?
Once you're confident that each safety switch has worked correctly, reset them by lifting or twisting the switch to turn it back on. If you have a fridge or air-conditioner on the circuit, it's best that you wait 2-3 minutes before turning them back on to prevent damage.
How do I know if my neutral safety switch is bad?
You can tell your neutral safety switch is bad if your vehicle won't start in Park but will start in Neutral, or vice versa, if it fails to start at all, or if it starts in any gear. Other symptoms include a clicking noise when you try to start, and the reverse lights not working.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad neutral safety switch: 58sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Apr 28, 2022
Common symptoms of a bad neutral safety switch
- Inconsistent starting: The engine doesn't start in one "safe" gear (Park or Neutral) but starts if you move the shifter slightly or try the other gear.
- No start in any gear: The vehicle won't crank at all, even when in Park or Neutral.
- Starting in any gear: The engine starts in Drive or Reverse, which is a major safety hazard.
- Reverse light failure: The backup lights don't turn on when the car is in reverse.
- Clicking noise: You hear a clicking sound from the engine bay when turning the key but the engine doesn't turn over.
- Shifter issues: You have to "jiggle" or move the shifter to get the engine to turn over.
- Dashboard lights: Warning lights may illuminate, or the check engine light might turn on.
You can watch this video to learn more about the symptoms of a bad neutral safety switch: 55sStudent LessonYouTube · Oct 19, 2023
How to test the switch
- Try starting the car in Park. If it doesn't start, press the brake, shift to Neutral, and try starting it again.
- If the engine starts in Neutral but not in Park, the neutral safety switch is the likely problem.
- Conversely, if it starts in Park but not Neutral, the switch is also likely faulty, though it could potentially be adjusted.
How to reset a neutral switch?
Oh then rettighten the bolts. And try starting the car again this method works well for vehicles like the Chevy Silverado.
