Summary
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 avoid 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 so you can 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.
A vehicle cannot start without the clutch pedal being depressed, thanks to the clutch neutral switch. Compared to automatic vehicles’ neutral safety switches, this one has a simpler design and costs less to replace.
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.
Now, let’s go deep to explain the neutral safety switch!
Contents
What is a neutral safety switch?
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.
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.
How does a neutral safety switch work?
Your car battery sends current to your engine’s starter when the start botton is turned, the starter crank the engine then allows it to work on it 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.
Diagram of a Neutral Safety Switch:
Signs 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 hesitating, and finally, the transmission won’t shift properly.
Read: 7 Common Symptoms Of A Bad Neutral Safety Switch
How do you 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.
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.
Read more: How to Add Antifreeze To A Car In Five Simple Steps
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.
That is all for this article, where the meaning, functions, diagram, and symptoms of a neutral safety switch are discussed. I hope it was helpful, if so, please share it with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!