Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6 Electrical/Electronic SystemsStarting System Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A vehicle owner reports that their car starts fine in 'Park' but not in 'Neutral'. The technician suspects an issue with the neutral safety switch. Where is this switch typically located in an automatic transmission vehicle?
- AOn the starter motor housing.
- BIntegrated into the engine control module (ECM).
- CInside the ignition switch assembly.
- DMounted on the transmission housing or shifter linkage.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Mounted on the transmission housing or shifter linkage.
The neutral safety switch (also known as a park/neutral position switch) is a safety device that prevents the engine from starting unless the transmission is in Park or Neutral. It is typically mounted on the transmission housing or directly on the shifter linkage to sense the gear position.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The starter motor housing contains the motor and solenoid, not the neutral safety switch.
- B. While the ECM might receive a signal from the neutral safety switch, the switch itself is a physical component, not integrated into the ECM.
- C. The ignition switch initiates the starting sequence, but the neutral safety switch is a separate component.
Neutral Safety Switch Location
The neutral safety switch is a safety device that prevents starting in gear, typically located on the transmission or shifter linkage.
- Prevents engine starting unless in Park or Neutral.
- Found on automatic transmission vehicles.
- Physical location on transmission housing or shifter linkage.
Memory trick: Safety switch is where the shifter clicks.