Are you having problems with your car starting? You may be dealing with a problem that is related to the neutral safety switch, but don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be complicated! 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!
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.
FAQs about How To Bypass The Neutral Safety Switch
What Causes Neutral Safety Switch Failure?
A blown fuse, a broken relay, or an issue with the switch itself can all cause this problem. It’s also possible that the switch has simply worn out due to constant use, which is why it’s important to replace it as soon as you experience any of these symptoms.
Risks of Bypassing the Neutral Safety Switch
Bypassing the neutral safety switch is a dangerous and reckless decision that can lead to serious accidents. Not only can it result in injuries to those who are unaware of the bypass, but it also puts young children at risk, who can now start the engine without pressing the clutch pedal.
Although it may seem like a hassle, replacing the switch when feasible is the best course of action. It’s relatively affordable and significantly reduces the risk of harm to others in the future.
Can You Drive Without a Neutral Safety Switch?
While it is technically possible to bypass this feature, it is not recommended. In fact, doing so could be quite dangerous. If the car is left in drive or reverse, it could take off unexpectedly, causing harm to both the driver and others on the road.
Cost to Replace the Neutral Safety Switch
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model and the type of specialist handling the repairs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $350 in parts and labor.
What Happens If the Neutral Safety Switch Fails?
If this switch fails, starting the engine on a manual car becomes impossible. And even on automatic cars, shifting gears can become challenging. Not only can it be frustrating, but a bad neutral safety switch can also lead to irreversible damage to your car’s engine and transmission.
Can A Faulty Neutral Safety Switch affect the Transmission?
While the switch itself won’t directly cause issues, it’s important to note that the transmission range sensor, which is a part of the switch, can potentially fail and lead to major problems. This can result in difficulty shifting gears and even transmission damage.
Are Neutral Safety Switch and Transmission Range Sensor the same?
Well, it depends on the car model, but the answer is often, yes! In fact, you may even hear it referred to as the PRNDL (Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive-Low) input.
What activates the neutral safety switch?
Essentially, the switch acts as a relay and receives a constant power source when the key is in the on position. When you start the car by cranking the key to the start position, the switch sends that current down a pathway to the starter motor.
Is there a neutral safety switch on a manual?
Fortunately, manual transmissions have a built-in safety device that helps prevent accidents. It’s called a neutral safety switch, and it’s typically located on the clutch pedal. This clever device makes sure that the car can’t be started unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Conclusion
Bypassing the neutral safety switch in your car can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dealing with a manual transmission or an automatic one, this post has all the information that you need to get back on the road safely.
Always remember to refer to your car owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your make and model, as well as consult your local mechanic if necessary. With these helpful tips, we hope that you’ll be able to bypass the neutral safety switch safely and get back into action in no time.
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.