1999 Toyota Camry Logo
Posted on Sep 21, 2009
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How to adjust neutral safety switch - 1999 Toyota Camry

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Mike

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  • Toyota Master 4,383 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 21, 2009
Mike
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Joined: Sep 07, 2009
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Usually neutral safety switches have asmall hole that a pin goes in, and then on install the shifter is placed in a position, like neutral, based on the switch positioning.

HOWEVER, I suspect that yours is installed, so I suggest plan B. FOOT ON BRAKE, turn key to on, move shifter into R.

Turn key to start, and slowly move shifter towards neutral.... Note exactly the shifter position when starter fires off, and release key, no start needed.

Then, do the same thing from Drive, move shifter towards N, with key in start position.

What you want is no start in either R or D, you knew that...And adjust neutral safety switch to "center" the starter actuation, preferably not until well into N, but that is not adjustable...

So, final is key to start position, test from Low, 2, d as you move shifter.... finally, you get start in N.

turn off.

Place in R, turn key to start and move towards Park, and you should have the starter fire off after out or R.

Hope this helps, that is what is involved.

Doc

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 115 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 03, 2009

SOURCE: Location of NSS(neutral safety switch) on 2002 Dodge Caravan

It is in side the trans on top of the valve body. Why do you think you need to replace it?

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Oct 28, 2008

SOURCE: Neutral safety switch adjustments

96 Plym. Gr. Voyager (same as Dodge) 4speed A/T can't locate neutral safety switch on drivers side front of trans. My book shows different location/picture (Haynes manual). Any ideas where to get picture/diagram for reference? Initial problem van starts normally but often only clicks when key is cycled through start cycle until it finally starts. Battery good (3 yrs and checked good), replaced ign. switch behind key tumbler assembly(NAPA Echlin part), relay at fuse block in engine area a checks OK with VOM meter, next item is neutral safety switch that also runs backup lights. I've opened area by removing air filter assembly for better view from top or under car but my switches are not in same location as Haynes book shows. Van has towing package and lockup torque convertor if that makes difference. Need source for diagram of trans exterior. Tha nks to all you helpful souls!

Anonymous

  • 76 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 17, 2008

SOURCE: 96' saab safety neutral switch

It is under the battery tray. Here is where it is and how to get to it.
Here is another procedural tutorial on how to remove and replace it.
Assuming that this is an automatic, the NSS is a common problem. A common, cheap and easy ten minute bypass method has been developed to get around the problem or at the least to use to confirm the diagnosis of a failed switch.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jan 04, 2010

SOURCE: Looking for the neutral safety switch

how do i replace the rear bumper on a 2004 ford focus sedan

Anonymous

  • 222 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 16, 2010

SOURCE: neutral safety switch '97 eclipse

Under dash driver side look behind the upper arm of clutch pedal and you should see a green and black wire coming from the button (switch) assembly on the firewall. The wires go up above the clutch pedal. About in the middle of under dash on the left side you should see a white connector these wires run to. Disconnect. I just had the problem and not only starts now but not stalling like it was but it's only been one day but tested it pretty good.

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Move the switch adjustment until it starts in the correct gear setting, it takes 2 people to accomplish this.
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Why do I have to wiggle it around in neutral to get it to start again?

sounds like the neutral safety switch. i have replaced a few on ford trucks. after a while they tend to wear out or get out of adjustment. but if you wiggle it around and it starts. my guess is the neutral safety switch. you didn't specify what kind of vehicle you have but there are a lot of videos on you tube that may show you how to do this. good luck
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My 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee wont start sometimes, but if I put it in neutral then try to start it..It starts .. What is the problem with my baby.......

Test/Service/Replace

The circuit on newer cars with automatic transmissions has a neutral safety, or neutral start switch installed between the ignition switch and the starter. The ignition switch cannot operate the starter motor unless the transmission is in park or neutral.
Late model vehicles with manual transmissions have a starter/clutch interlock switch that requires the clutch to be depressed to the floor.
Neutral Safety Switch
Normal operations of a neutral safety switch provides a quick check for the adjustment of the gear selector linkage.
  • To do this, move the selector slowly until it clicks into the PARK position.
  • Turn the ignition key to the START position.
  • If the starter operates, the PARK position is correct.
  • After checking the PARK position, move the lever slowly toward the NEUTRAL position until the lever drops at the end of the NEUTRAL stop in the selector gate.
  • If the starter also operates at this point, the gearshift linkage is properly adjusted.
  • This quick test also tests the adjustment of the neutral safety switch.
  • If the engine does not start in either or both of these positions, the neutral safety switch or the gear selector linkage needs adjustment or repair.

CAUTION
Since you must work under the vehicle to adjust most shift linkages make sure you properly raise and support the vehicle before working under it. Also, wear safety glasses or goggles while working under the vehicle.
A voltmeter can be used to check the switch for voltage when the ignition key is turned to the START position with the shift lever in PARK or NEUTRAL. If there is no voltage, the switch should be adjusted or replaced.

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2003dodge caravan neutral safty switch

Test/Service/Replace Neutral Safety Switch
Most neutral safety switches are combinations of a neutral safety switch and a backup lamp switch. Others have separate units for these two distinct functions. When the reverse light switch is not part of the neutral safety switch, it seldom needs adjustment, as it is directly activated by the transmission or the gear selector linkage.
f_ttat_t3.20.jpg Typical location of a neutral safety switch on a transaxle. Reprinted with permission of Ford Motor Company. A neutral safety switch allows current to pass from the starter switch to the starter when the lever is placed in the P or N position. Some neutral safety switches are nonadjustable. If these prevent starting in the P or N position and the gear selector linkage is correctly adjusted, they should be replaced.
To adjust a typical neutral safety switch:
  • Place the shift lever in neutral.
  • Loosen the attaching bolts for the switch.
  • Using the angling pin, move the switch until the pin falls into the hole in its rotor.
  • Tighten the attaching bolts.
  • Recheck the switch for continuity. If no voltage is present, replace the switch.
  • The switch sometimes controls the operation of the back-up lights also. With the engine off and the key on, put the selector in reverse position. Check the back-up lights to see that they are on. Then, check in the drive position to see that they are out.
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Where is neutral switch on a 92 dodge caravan

Safety Switch Most neutral safety switches are combinations of a neutral safety switch and a backup lamp switch. Others have separate units for these two distinct functions. When the reverse light switch is not part of the neutral safety switch, it seldom needs adjustment, as it is directly activated by the transmission or the gear selector linkage.
f_ttat_t3.20.jpg Typical location of a neutral safety switch on a transaxle. Reprinted with permission of Ford Motor Company. A neutral safety switch allows current to pass from the starter switch to the starter when the lever is placed in the P or N position. Some neutral safety switches are nonadjustable. If these prevent starting in the P or N position and the gear selector linkage is correctly adjusted, they should be replaced.
To adjust a typical neutral safety switch:
  • Place the shift lever in neutral.
  • Loosen the attaching bolts for the switch.
  • Using the angling pin, move the switch until the pin falls into the hole in its rotor.
  • Tighten the attaching bolts.
  • Recheck the switch for continuity. If no voltage is present, replace the switch.
  • The switch sometimes controls the operation of the back-up lights also. With the engine off and the key on, put the selector in reverse position. Check the back-up lights to see that they are on. Then, check in the drive position to see that they are out.
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My 2001 f150 4x4 will not start unless i hole the gear shift up while in park. what is the cause of this??

You probably need a linkage adjustment,a neutral safety switch adjustment or replacement of the neutral safety switch.
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When I have a no start condition I work the maul selector from park to low 1 back and forth and the car starts

Your safety interlock switch is going out or is not adjusted properly. There is a procedure for adjusting the switch. The switch is on the transmission in the engine compartment. If you want to adjust the switch, loosen the botls holding the switch and follow steps 7-8 below. Else, you can just replace the switch entirely by following all steps.

The neutral start and backup switch are one unit mounted on the top left end of the transaxle. The neutral start portion of the switch allows electrical current to travel to the ignition system when the shift selector is in park or neutral only. The vehicle will not start when the selector is in any other gear. The backup portion operates the rear backup lamps when selector is in the reverse gear.


REMOVAL & INSTALLATION See Figures 1 and 2

  1. Make sure the shift selector in the Park position, then apply the emergency brake.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Disengage the neutral start switch electrical connector, then remove the shift control lever on top of the switch.
  4. Remove the two neutral switch attaching bolts, then remove the switch.

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Fig. Fig. 1: Neutral safety switch location-vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle

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Fig. Fig. 2: Adjusting the neutral safety switch



To install:

  1. Install the switch on the manual shaft.
  2. Loosely install the two attaching bolts and washers.
  3. Insert a No. 43 drill (0.089 in.) through the hole.
  4. Tighten the attaching bolts to 7-9 ft. lbs. (9-12 Nm), then remove the drill.
  5. Engage the switch electrical connector, then connect the negative battery cable.
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Bronco wont start 88 ford bronco just replaced tranny and now won't start. i've hooked everything back up but one of the wires to the transfer case bc i broke the plug in. any ideas why it wont start...

The neutral safety switch is located on the side of the transmission and it is usually attached behind the shifter linkage and it is secured with two small bolts that can be loosened up to allow for adjustment of the neutral safety switch.

To adjust the neutral safety switch place the transmission into neutral, (block the tires) there is a notch or and indent marker on the housing of the neutral safety switch that should be lined up with a line on the face of the collar that is around the shifter detent shaft, and if they are not in alignment then loosen the two bolts that secure the neutral safety switch and then turn the neutral safety switch until they are aligned and then tighten the securing bolts to the neutral safety switch, and then test the starter. If the starter fails to engage then either the neutral safety switch is faulty, the neutral safety switch has been by-passed all this time and the by-pass (I will usually find things like a paper clip shoved into the vehicles wire connector with electrical tape around it) has fallen out of the wire connector from the vehicle wiring harness, or the battery just went dead. if you have the neutral safety switch from the old transmission still available try using it to test the neutral safety circuit. I have provided you with an image to help assist you adjust the neutral safety switch.


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Problems starting problem is intermitent helps to move shifter out of park and put it back

It's sounds like the neutral safety switch is bad. When you turn the key to start the power goes from the ignition switch, to the neutral safety switch then, to the starter solenoid. When you say starting problem I'm assuming it won't even crank over. The car should also start in the "Neutral" position, there is an adjustment on that switch to, it may just be out of adjustment. If it cranks over but won't start then I don't see how the neutral safety could be the problem. The neutral safety switch is right on top of the transmission directly under the master cylinder for the brakes. You should be able to see where the shift cable connects to the transmission.
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