How to Replace Neutral Safety Switch on Jeep Wrangler

A neutral safety switch is required for vehicles with automatic gearboxes. The neutral safety switch prevents the engine from starting unless the gearbox shift selector is in the NEUTRAL or PARK positions. When the transmission is in gear, it inhibits the starter circuit. This safety feature prevents personal injury and vehicle damage from occurring if a vehicle is started in gear by accident.

The starting solenoid circuit includes a neutral safety switch. The switch is in the OPEN position while the transmission is in forward or reverse gear. When the ignition switch is switched to the START position, this action stops current from reaching the solenoid and starter.  The engine may not start due to a misaligned or faulty neutral safety switch.

If the vehicle won’t start, examine the action of the neutral safety switch by shifting the shift lever about while trying to start it. The switch should be re-adjusted if the starter starts working. Loosen the fasteners that hold the neutral safety switch to reposition it.

Place the shift lever into park after loosening the switch (P). Tighten the fasteners while keeping the switch still. With the shift lever in park or neutral, the engine should start now. Following the adjustment, make sure everything is working properly.

If normal operation cannot be restored after adjusting the switch, the switch may need to be tested. A 12-volt test light is all that’s needed to check the switch. To test the switch, move the shift lever while holding the test light against the switch output wire connection.

As you slide the shift lever into park or neutral, the light should illuminate. The shifter arm attached to the cable is running via the switch on the front of the transmission. Remove the arm and the blots that are holding the switch on before removing the electrical connector. Keep in mind that if the wrong key is used, the automobile will not start.

How do you change a neutral safety switch on a jeep wrangler?

When the car is in any gear but Park or Neutral, the neutral safety switch prevents the vehicle from starting. In some vehicles, the switch also serves as a data source for the vehicle’s computer, monitoring gear selection and reverse light feedback. The switch is found in vehicles with a transaxle or automatic transmission and is usually positioned on the left side of the transmission.

The shifter mechanism is equipped with a couple of neutral safety switches. On jack stands, the vehicle is elevated. The shift lever and cable for the transmission have been removed. From the switch, the electrical connector is removed. The transmission’s neutral safety switch is disabled.

Leaks in the transmission shaft seal are checked, and if necessary, new seals are installed. The new neutral safety switch is secured to the selector shaft and properly positioned for installation. Replace the shift lever and cable. Before being lifted off the jack stands, the vehicle is examined for proper neutral safety switch functionality. The car is scanned for codes and correct switch indication of gear ranges, as well as being road tested.

How do you diagnose a bad neutral safety switch?

Symptoms of a Failing or Malfunctioning Neutral Safety Switch

1. The engine won’t start in park, but it will start in neutral.

2. The engine won’t start in neutral, but it will start in park.

3. Regardless of the transmission gear, the engine does not crank at all.

4. In any gear, the engine cranks.

How do you fix a neutral safety switch?

Step 1: Start the engine without turning it off by turning on the ignition. After activating the parking brake, adjust the gearshift to ‘Neutral.’

Step 2: Detach the negative connector from the battery. Disconnect the pin that connects the gearshift lever to the switch and remove the wiring connector to which the safety switch is plugged. Unscrewing the switch’s mounting bolts is the final step in the disconnecting process.

Step 3: Reattach all nuts, cables, and connectors after installing a new switch. Turn the motor on and place the transmission in various positions, such as ‘Park,’ ‘Neutral,’ and ‘Reverse.’ The engine will only start in ‘Park’ and ‘Neutral’ if you followed the instructions correctly.

How do you reset a neutral safety switch?

1. Switch on the ignition (The heavy gauge pink wire must be connected).

2. Hold the Control button (Valet switch) for 10 seconds and then release it: If you wish to re-delete something, repeat the process two times.

Delete remotes: This option clears the system’s memory of all remote controls. In some situations, this is beneficial. If a remote control is misplaced or stolen. New remote controllers can be programmed into the system. This portion of the tutorial deals with control programming. Note that this does not reset any of the system’s programmed functions or the Virtual Tach setting.

Reset System Features: This restores the factory default settings for all system features. This function does not remove the remotes from the system or reset the Virtual Tach configuration. Virtual Tach Reset: Clears all previously learnt Virtual Tach values, and on the next remote start, Virtual Tach will be reset. The virtual tach initialization sequence is started by the unit.

3. Press and hold the Control button once more once you’ve picked the function step. Turning on the light. To confirm the chosen functional step, the control module flashes. The Control button should not be released.

4. Press the single button on the remote control while holding the Control button down. The control’s LED light. The feature has been successfully reset, as evidenced by the module flashing. The Control button can be released once the function is reset.