In this post, we will cover how to bypass the neutral safety switch in your car and get back behind the wheel. We’ll cover everything from how the parts work together, what kind of tests can help you diagnose problems, and step-by-step instructions for safely bypassing the switch. So, let’s get started!
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How Does The Neutral Safety Switch Work?
This switch is responsible for allowing the electrical current to cycle from the ignition switch to the engine starter and ignition system, which then activates the ignition process. This feature ultimately prevents any potential damage to the starter motor and transmission, reducing the risk of accidents too.
How Can I Deactivate The Neutral Safety Switch?
For manual transmissions, all you need to do is connect the two wires behind the clutch pedal. For automatic transmissions, the process is a bit more complicated with a 4-5 wire system, but don’t worry, we have all the details you need in the following sections.
How to Bypass the Neutral Safety Switch Located on the Clutch Pedal
The switch on the clutch pedal is just a simple on-and-off switch with an input and output wire. To bypass it, all you have to do is connect those two wires together. If you’re looking for a permanent solution, simply cut and splice the wires together. No need to worry about complicated procedures. Just unplug the connector and bridge the two pins or connect them using a piece of wire.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is the most dangerous option when it comes to manual transmission vehicles. It’s always best to replace a faulty clutch switch, which rarely costs more than $100, and can be easily done at home in just a few minutes.
While bypassing the switch can be a quick fix in an emergency, it’s always best to replace the switch to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
How to Bypass the Neutral Safety Switch Located on the Transmission
While the neutral safety switch in an automatic transmission is more complex than its manual counterpart, it is still possible to bypass it. However, with five or six wires to contend with, identifying the correct terminals can be challenging.
To make things easier, it’s important to get a workshop manual tailored to your car make and model. You can also turn to online forums for guidance from those who have successfully bypassed the switch.
The transmission neutral safety switch is a bit more complicated than the clutch pedal switch, as it has four to five wires and requires you to disconnect the battery.
If your car has a 4-wire system, you just need to locate the two wires that go from the switch into the transmission and join them together. However, if your car has a 5-wire system, a bit more effort is required. By disconnecting the battery cables and finding the two wires leading into the transmission, you’ll be able to bypass the switch and get back on the road.
5 Symptoms of a Failing Neutral Safety Switch
Here are some common symptoms of a failing neutral safety switch:
Check Engine Lights
If you notice your check engine light come on and your OBD scanner displays code P084F, it’s time to take action. This code specifically indicates a failing neutral safety switch, which can cause your car to start unexpectedly or not start at all.
Engine Doesn’t Start in Neutral
This is another clear sign that your neutral safety switch isn’t working properly. If you have to shift into reverse or drive in order for the engine to start, it’s time to check the switch for potential issues.
Engine Doesn’t Start in Park
If your engine won’t start in park or neutral, but starts when you shift into drive, it could be an indication that your switch is failing. This means the switch isn’t correctly communicating with the transmission and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Engine Starts in Any Gear
This could indicate a short circuit within the switch, which poses a real danger to anyone driving the vehicle. To prevent accidents and injuries, it’s essential to have the switch replaced immediately.
Engine Doesn’t Start at All
One of the most frustrating issues you might encounter is an engine that simply won’t start, no matter what gear you try putting it in. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s possible that your neutral safety switch has failed. This could be caused by something as simple as a blown fuse or a problematic relay.
Conclusion: How To Bypass The Neutral Safety Switch
The neutral safety switch serves to prevent inadvertent engagement of the engine while the vehicle is in gear, thereby avoiding sudden forward or reverse motion. In automatic transmissions, this switch is typically located on the transmission itself. To bypass the switch, simply connect and jumper the two wires that are attached to it. This simple solution ensures a smooth and uninterrupted operation.
I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.
The neutral safety switch is an important component that prevents the engine from starting while in gear, which could lead to an immediate drive forward or reverse. In automatic transmissions, this switch is typically located on the transmission itself. To bypass the switch, you can simply connect the two wires attached to it.
While it is possible to bypass certain safety features, it is not recommended, especially if the car is your daily driver (DD). One important consideration is the functionality of the brake switch solenoid (the component that prevents putting the car in gear without stepping on the brake). During my own swap, I chose not to spend $50 on it initially, but I quickly realized the value of connecting the neutral safety switch. There have been several instances where I forgot to put the car in park when attempting to start it. I am grateful that it did not start and collide with the vehicle in front of me. Admittedly, transitioning from a manual to an automatic required adjusting to the “leave the car in park” concept. This is merely my personal perspective.