Neutral safety switch location

Tiny
BILL HAYS
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 GMC SIERRA
  • 159,000 MILES
How do you find the neutral position in the switch?
Friday, April 28th, 2017 AT 7:19 AM

29 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It should line up when transmission is in neutral which is now called a range selector switch. New ones may be pinned for install depending on which car they are installed in. If it is out then it should be two clicks back from front of switch. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, April 28th, 2017 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
BILL HAYS
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Thank you very much.
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Friday, April 28th, 2017 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
BILL HAYS
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Well the selector is reading correctly now nut still will not start just a weird click sound like its a power issue to the starter just. Replaced that and cleaned all connections.
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Friday, April 28th, 2017 AT 2:39 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
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Sounds as if the security system has it locked up, if you disconnected the battery it may have set it off. try a reset see our link and picture. if you have a manual It may be in that as well.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
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Friday, April 28th, 2017 AT 3:07 PM
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
  • 2005 GMC SIERRA
  • 6.6L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Allison 1000 is in limp mode. The only code was a sensor code which I replaced and the code went away. Have reset computer, have replaced NSBU switch, have cleaned and made sure connections to both transfer case and transmission were dry, replaced fluid in transmission and transfer case. Still in limp mode with no forward or reverse at any rpm.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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So we just need to clarify this because you say it is in limp mode but it doesn't move? So when you put it in any gear, and step on the accelerator, the RPM just goes up? So it acts like it is in Neutral? If that is the case then this is not limp mode. This is just not engaging.

What happens if you put it in any of the manual gears, 1, 2, 3?
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Yes, just like neutral. All gears are the same no response. Range shift Inhibited message displays on dash after I attempt to shift into any hear. I reset and attempted relearn process with no luck.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
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  • 9 POSTS
When I shift manually into 1, 2, 3, nothing changes except a very slight fluctuation in rpm.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. Sorry to clarify again but that may change things. When you step on the accelerator do the RPM's go up like they do if you are in park or neutral? Or when you step on the accelerator with it in gear do the RPM's not do anything almost like you have no throttle input? So its like you are not even stepping on the pedal?

If the RPMs go up while in gear then we have an issue with the valve body most likely. If the RPM's do not go up then we may just have an issue with the throttle.

If the RPM's do not go up when you step on the accelerator in gear, do they go up when you are in park or neutral and you step on the accelerator?
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
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The engine revs and rpm's go up in every gear.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. Limp mode is when your vehicle is stuck in 3rd (normally) and it does drive any faster then you can go in that gear.

If the RPM goes up and the truck does not move as if it is in Neutral no matter what gear you are in is a pressure issue, shifter issue, or greater internal transmission issue.

Let's start with the shifter. Can you lay on the ground and have someone turn the ignition to the on position (engine off) and shift through the gears and make sure the shift lever on the side of the transmission is moving. If it is, we can try adjusting it (process attached) but I think we need to then move onto the pressure inside the unit to see if the pump is building the needed pressure.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
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Okay, so it'll take me a day or so to get some help. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Sounds great. We will be here when you get to it. Thanks for the update.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Okay, shifter engages and cycles through all gears correctly. There's a fainting sound while in r, d, 1-3 but not in neutral.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NINA BLAKEMAN PARKER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
How do I test the switch?
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
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You can use an ohm meter or volt meter. See if you have power at the purple wire put in neutral or park and see if it comes out the purple/white wire. See picture. If it is a starting problem try a security reset. If battery has been disconnected or if you hear a loud click then hit body of starter with a hammer while an assistant is trying to start the truck if it does the starter is bad. This is assuming battery has been tested including load test and is in good shape.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
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Sound is very faint but like a long beep.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
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Did I mention the transfer case rebuild prior to the RSInhibited problem? NP263xhd was rebuild. All sensors replaced and NSBU switch. Also, front driveline has yet to be installed. At this time I am currently changing out the ignition lock cylinder housing which has a spot for a plug that I read could be culprit.
Not sure if those are important factors but figured I'd mention them.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUSTCHEVY
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Also, I've started on this list. There are a couple that could be possible culprits even if recently replaced.

The TCM monitors inputs from several onboard systems to operate the transmission properly. If the TCM receives an input that’s far enough out of range to affect transmission operation, the TCM will enter Transmission Abuse Protection Mode.

In this mode, the TCM can inhibit engagements into drive and reverse and any or all shifts, depending upon what caused the TCM to enter this mode.

What Is the TCM Monitoring?
The TCM monitors inputs from numerous sensors from several onboard systems to control the transmission operation. These sensors are:

Crankshaft (CMK) and Camshaft Position (CMP) sensors (figures 1 and2) for engine RPM.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)or Accelerator Position Sensor(APPS; figures 3 and 4) for engine load.
Manifold Absolute Pressure(MAP) or Barometric Pressure(BP) sensors (figure 5) also for engine load.
Engine Coolant Temperature(ECT) sensor (figure 6) and Transmission Fluid Temperature sensor (TFT), located in the pressure switch manifold (PSM).
Neutral Safety Backup Switch(NSBU) (figure 7) or Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch.
Input Speed Sensor (ISS/TSS; figure 8).
Output Speed Sensor (OSS).
Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch (PSM; figure 9).
Transfer Case Position sensor or switch (figure 10).
Let’s look at each of these inputs to determine how the TCM uses them to control the transmission operation.

Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors †Provide the TCM with engine RPM signals, which it uses to calculate TCC slip.

Throttle position sensor or accelerator position sensor †Provide the TCM with engine load signals to calculate line pressure rise and shift timing.

Manifold absolute pressure and barometric pressure sensors †Provide the TCM with engine load signals for calculating line pressure rise and shift timing.

Engine coolant and transmission temperature sensor †Provide the TCM with temperature signals to allow it to determine actual operating temperatures of engine and transmission.

Neutral safety backup switch or park/neutral position switch †Provide the TCM with signals to indicate selected gear range.

Input speed sensor †Provides the TCM with a signal to measure the rotating speed of the turbine shaft, from which it can calculate transmission RPM and slip.

Output speed sensor †Provides the TCM with a signal it can use to determine vehicle speed and calculate transmission slip.

Transmission fluid pressure switch manifold †Provides the TCM with signals for monitoring clutch engagement and shift timing.

Transfer case position sensor or switch †Provides the TCM with a signal to identify transfer case range.

Now let’s discuss how each of these inputs can cause the TCM to inhibit transmission operation. When the TCM inhibits the transmission operation, you may notice the PRNDL display flashing on and off or display Gear Inhibited or Shift Inhibited. These conditions can cause the TCM to inhibit transmission operation.

High engine RPM on engagement †Check engine RPM while shifting into gear. If engine RPM exceeds idle specifications, the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral. Check CMK and CMP inputs and idle speed adjustment; repair as needed.

High throttle or high torque on engagement †If the throttle or accelerator position sensor signal exceeds 25% during transmission engagement, the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral. Check sensor input signal to TCM at idle; repair as needed.

Erratic input speed sensor signal †If the TCM receives an erratic input speed sensor signal during engagement, the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral. Check input speed sensor signal; repair as needed.

Erratic output speed sensor signal †If the output speed sensor signal is erratic or over 300 RPM during engagement, the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral. Check the output speed sensor signal;
repair as needed.

Erratic neutral safety backup or park/neutral position switch signals †If the TCM receives an erratic signal from the neutral safety backup or park/neutral position switch, it’ll keep the transmission in neutral. Check the switch signals at TCM, check wiring and connections, and check for water contamination in the neutral safety backup switch; repair as needed.

Erratic pressure switch manifold signals †If the signal from the
pressure switch manifold is erratic, the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral. This may be caused by low fluid level, valve body problems, a faulty pressure switch manifold, or problems with the wiring or connections; repair as needed.

Low transmission fluid temperature †If the transmission fluid temperature sensor signal indicates the transmission temperature is below -49 F (-45 C), the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral. Verify the transmission temperature. Check the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit, wiring, and connections; repair as needed.

Transfer case in neutral when shifting transmission into gear †If the transfer case control system indicates the transfer case is in neutral while shifting the transmission into gear, the TCM will keep the transmission in neutral.

If it indicates the transfer case was shifted to neutral while driving, TCM will wait until the vehicle output speed drops below 300 RPM to shift the transmission into neutral. Check and repair transfer case input to TCM as needed.

Transmission slip †If TCM receives a signal that the transmission is slipping, it’ll prevent the transmission from shifting into that gear range. Check transmission operation; if it seems to be working properly, check the appropriate sensor inputs. If the transmission is slipping, repair as needed.

Well there you have it: the most likely causes and possible cures for the most common problem plaguing the Allison LCT1000 transmission: inhibited shifts or gear ranges. With a better understanding of how the Allison LCT transmission group operates, you should have no problem keeping those transmissions rolling.

.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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So if the shifter is operating then we have a "protection" mode that could be induced by the TCM or we could have a pressure issue. Normally we have codes with limp mode or any other TCM induced protection mode. Just looking through this and I am not sure we checked for codes. If not, we need to.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

If there are no codes we need to check pressure. However, if you have a message in the cluster and no codes, I would be surprised.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:21 AM (Merged)

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