Transmission Position Sensor/Switch: Description and Operation

Description

When the selector lever is in the position other than "P" or "N", the electrical circuit for starting the engine is kept in the OFF state by the inhibitor switch. Therefore, the engine does not start even if the ignition switch is turned to the "START" position. Inhibitor switch is installed on the transaxle case located at the upper end of the manual control shaft and is interlocked with the manual control lever.

By shifting the selector to the "P" or "N" range, the electrical circuit inside the inhibitor switch is connected to form the ignition circuit with which the engine can be started. When the shift is in the "R" range, the backup lamp lights up as backup lamp circuit is energized.
The inhibitor switch, in addition to the start safety device, also includes a circuit for detection of the selector lever position, for sending signals to the transaxle control module.