How to replace neutral safety switch
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Joined: May 2003
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How to replace neutral safety switch
The neutral safety switch is located on the transmission shift lever. Its held onto the transmission case by 2 bolts in slotted holes. You will need to remove the kickdown lever. The switch will slip off the shift lever with just a little pry if dirty. Replace the switch while the transmission is in neutral. There is a small hole in the side of the switch to stick a small pin or awl into to locate the neutral position of the switch. I would try to adjust the old switch before replacing it.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
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How to replace neutral safety switch
More developments. I tried to start the truck today and all I heard was a fairly loud "click". I had the starting problem for a few months but never heard a click before.
Does this mean the starter solenoid is bad (the one on the starter, not the relay on the fender)? In addition to the neutral safety switch? Or is this the same problem?
The second time I turned the key it started really well.
Does this mean the starter solenoid is bad (the one on the starter, not the relay on the fender)? In addition to the neutral safety switch? Or is this the same problem?
The second time I turned the key it started really well.
Last edited by carpe_diem; Aug 3, 2003 at 06:36 PM.
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Fleet Mechanic
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How to replace neutral safety switch
One more thing, I am going to try to start it in "N" if that works, it is the neutral safety switch. If not, it is the starter.
Ignition switch is another possibility however.
Ignition switch is another possibility however.
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From: Virginia
How to replace neutral safety switch
Do you have an old thread where you have tried some other stuff. Because your problem could be caused by a dirty connection at the battery, or a bad cable. One way to check it is turn the headlamps on, and then try to start it. If the headlamps go out when it won't start, then you have a bad battery, battery cable, or connection. If the headlamps stay bright when it won't start, then you might have a relay problem, or possibly the neutral safety switch if you don't get a "click" from the relay. Also if they stay bright, then it could be the connection on the starter, or the starter itself. The old style Ford starters do not have a solenoid on the starter itself like a chevy does.
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Fleet Mechanic
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How to replace neutral safety switch
I just tried it in the dark. The lights do not go out, not affected at all. Which means it is either:
1) Neutral safety switch (The FSM calls it neutral start switch)
2) Starter
3) connection
4) ignition switch
I will look at the neutral safety switch first, as the easiest. If that doesn't help, move on to starter. I do feel it is probably the neutral safety switch.
1) Neutral safety switch (The FSM calls it neutral start switch)
2) Starter
3) connection
4) ignition switch
I will look at the neutral safety switch first, as the easiest. If that doesn't help, move on to starter. I do feel it is probably the neutral safety switch.
Last edited by carpe_diem; Aug 4, 2003 at 12:36 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Lincoln NE
How to replace neutral safety switch
In past experience, it sounds like you most likely have a bad connection somewhere. Also, check your ground cable from your battery to the frame or wherever it is grounded. Better yet, just clean all your major battery/starter/ground connections. I've had so many friends bring their vehicle to me and it's usually a connection problem.
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Fleet Mechanic
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How to replace neutral safety switch
Update -
I tried starting in N a bunch of times -- no problems (thus far). So it might be the neutral safety switch after all. I would like to see a failure to start in N, then that would really point to a bad connection.
I tried starting in N a bunch of times -- no problems (thus far). So it might be the neutral safety switch after all. I would like to see a failure to start in N, then that would really point to a bad connection.
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Same problem
I have the same problem, for the past 2 days, the first time i get into my truck, it failed to start, yesterday, I put it into nuetral and coasted back 5 feet to get a jump but then tried to start it, and it fired up and for the rest of the day it started fine.
today, it failed first thing also, after putting shifter into N, tried, failed twice, after moving the shifter a little still in nuetral, it started up and for the resat of day so far it has started
would that be the Nuetral safety switch? what kind of connection problem could it be if it was and why does it only fail the 1st time and start the rest of the day?
thanks
1998 Ford Expedition
4wd, Eddie Bauer Edition
today, it failed first thing also, after putting shifter into N, tried, failed twice, after moving the shifter a little still in nuetral, it started up and for the resat of day so far it has started
would that be the Nuetral safety switch? what kind of connection problem could it be if it was and why does it only fail the 1st time and start the rest of the day?
thanks
1998 Ford Expedition
4wd, Eddie Bauer Edition
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From: Virginia
It could be the neutral safety switch, sometimes the contacts get burnt and messing with it scrapes away enough of the burnt stuff to where it will make a good connection.
Problem is you have a newer vehicle. Your neutral safety switch is not as simple as the earlier switches, it also has a bunch of wires that tells the computer what gear you have selected.
Go down on the side of the tranny and see if you can find the switch. When you find it, look for a darkblue/orange wire and a tan/red. The darkblue/orange comes from fuse 21 which is fed by the ignition switch, and the tan/red goes and feeds the starter motor terminal. If you could somehow jump these wires out, you could see if the problem went away and verify it is the switch. Just be careful if you do this, it will start in gear.
Problem is you have a newer vehicle. Your neutral safety switch is not as simple as the earlier switches, it also has a bunch of wires that tells the computer what gear you have selected.
Go down on the side of the tranny and see if you can find the switch. When you find it, look for a darkblue/orange wire and a tan/red. The darkblue/orange comes from fuse 21 which is fed by the ignition switch, and the tan/red goes and feeds the starter motor terminal. If you could somehow jump these wires out, you could see if the problem went away and verify it is the switch. Just be careful if you do this, it will start in gear.
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How is the NSS connected to the Turn Shifter? Is there a rod or wire going from the steering column to the NSS/Tranny?
I had a problem this past month with a couple of wires coming loose from the turn signal plug, so that when my column was all the way up, they would work but moving the column down made the turn signals not work
Could this be a problem with the NSS also? could a wire have come loose from the harness/plug in the column?
I had a problem this past month with a couple of wires coming loose from the turn signal plug, so that when my column was all the way up, they would work but moving the column down made the turn signals not work
Could this be a problem with the NSS also? could a wire have come loose from the harness/plug in the column?
