Neutral Safety Switch: Service and Repair

Fig. 6 Back-up Light/Neutral Start Switch Replacement:

NOTE: On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, the neutral start and back-up light switches are combined into one unit and must be replaced as an assembly.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable and shift linkage.
2. Disconnect electrical connector from switch.
3. Remove switch mounting bolts, then switch assembly, Fig. 6.
4. If same switch is to be reinstalled, proceed as follows:
a. Place shift shaft in Neutral position.
b. Align flats of shift shaft with switch, then install switch.
c. Loosely install mounting bolts.
d. Insert gauge pin, Fig. 6, in service adjustment hole and rotate switch until pin drops in to a depth of 9 mm (9/64 inch).
e. Torque mounting bolts to 18 ft. lbs.

5. If a new switch is to be installed, proceed as follows:
a. Place shift shaft in Neutral position.
b. Align flats of shift shaft with switch, then install switch.
c. If bolt holes do not align with mounting boss on transaxle, verify shift shaft is in Neutral position, do not rotate switch. Switch is pinned in Neutral position. If switch has been rotated and the pin broken, use procedure outlined in step 4.
d. Torque mounting bolts to 18 ft. lbs.
6. Verify engine will only start in Park or Neutral positions.