Neutral safety switch?

Hello,

It happens. The problem is that without the original starter to test there is no way to know. This guide will help you check the starter with diagrams below to show you how to replace the neutral safety switch.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens. The 4 and 6 cylinder cars are the same

Hi beav44,

Seems the interlock system is causing the problem.

With ignition switch turned ON and depress the brake pedal. Listen for a clicking noise at gear shift. If the interlock solenoid is clicking and you are not able to move out of Park, you would have to check the solenoid.

If no clicking noise is heard, check if the brake lights are working. A faulty brake switch would not operate the solenoid.

More than likely this is not the range sensor but the shift interlock. The range sensor just tells the PCM which gear the transmission is in. If it is not in park or neutral it will not allow it to start.

If the shifter is not coming out of park or the shifter button (if equipped) is not depressing then this interlock is the issue.

I attached the info and testing if you would like to prove this out. However, if it were me, based on this info I would just go ahead and replace the shifter. You can also find quite a few videos online that show people fixing this switch. I have not had long term success with this so I would just replace it.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks

Okay. This could the range sensor if it is not adjusted properly or is failing. However, it normally causes a no start. Have you check the transmission fluid to make sure that is full and in good condition? That would be a more likely cause of this.

Here is a procedure to test the TRS and replace it. There is a process for making sure it is installed correctly.

Sounds like it is out of alignment. I am attaching the process. Just run through it and make sure you had each position correct when installing it.

Yes, the PNP is the culprit and it can cause the TCS indicator to come on.
Check the PNP wire harness conector for contaminations and looseness.

You're welcome. Let me know if you need anything else.

The neutral safety switch is used for preventing the engine from starting when in a gear besides park or neutral.
It sound like you could have an exhaust restriction. I know you said not to pay attention to the codes but if you have a P0420 code this could indicate your catalyst is plugged. A vacuum gauge should show a restriction when reving the engine. Does the engine run well when parked? Rev the engine up to 2500 RPM does the engine run fine at this speed?
Another way of checking for restricted exhaust is to removed the catalyst from the vehicle and drive it to see if it runs any better. The engine will sound really loud without the muffler. Don't drive the car very long without the exhaust connected as the exhaust gases are toxic and extremely hot.

That really sounds like plugged exhaust. But I would like to know if there is codes what they are because a faulty sensor could cause this but is less likely.

Hi snvasquezd,

DTC # 5 means
1. Short in Shift Position Console switch wire.
2. Faulty Shift Position Console switch.

The problem would result in gears shifting only between 2 and 4.

Does the meter indicator lights for the gear shift positions indicate the correctly?

You need to check the switch which is located under the gear shift console.