{"id":2629,"date":"2022-07-03T20:16:19","date_gmt":"2022-07-03T20:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=2629"},"modified":"2022-07-03T20:16:20","modified_gmt":"2022-07-03T20:16:20","slug":"is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"Is There a Fuse for the Neutral Safety Switch?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A vehicle\u2019s fuses protect its electrical system and components from power surges. All vehicles are fitted with multiple switches for specific electrical components. <strong>The neutral safety switch is an integral electrical component in every car, and each has a fuse to protect it from power surges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a comprehensive guide on the neutral safety switch. You will learn how it works, where the fuse fits in, and how to test for problems with your car\u2019s neutral safety switch and fuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Is There a Fuse for the Neutral Safety Switch\" class=\"wp-image-2630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The neutral safety switch is an integral safety component in a vehicle. Therefore, every vehicle (automatic and manual) is fitted with one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever noticed that you need to set your vehicle to park or neutral mode for it to start? Try as you may, the car will not start when set in any other gear. This is a safety mechanism that is triggered by the neutral safety switch whenever you try to start your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#Where_Is_the_Neutral_Safety_Switch_Located\" title=\"Where Is the Neutral Safety Switch Located?\">Where Is the Neutral Safety Switch Located?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#Neutral_Safety_Switch_Wiring\" title=\"Neutral Safety Switch Wiring\">Neutral Safety Switch Wiring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#Is_There_a_Fuse_for_the_Neutral_Safety_Switch\" title=\"Is There a Fuse for the Neutral Safety Switch?\">Is There a Fuse for the Neutral Safety Switch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#How_Do_You_Check_a_Neutral_Safety_Switch\" title=\"How Do You Check a Neutral Safety Switch?\">How Do You Check a Neutral Safety Switch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#What_Happens_When_the_Neutral_Safety_Switch_Goes_Bad\" title=\"What Happens When the Neutral Safety Switch Goes Bad?\">What Happens When the Neutral Safety Switch Goes Bad?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#Symptoms_of_a_Bad_Neutral_Safety_Switch\" title=\"Symptoms of a Bad Neutral Safety Switch\">Symptoms of a Bad Neutral Safety Switch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/transmission\/is-there-a-fuse-for-the-neutral-safety-switch\/#Neutral_Safety_Switch_Replacement\" title=\"Neutral Safety Switch Replacement\">Neutral Safety Switch Replacement<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Is_the_Neutral_Safety_Switch_Located\"><\/span><a><\/a>Where Is the Neutral Safety Switch Located?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The neutral safety switch\u2019s location varies depending on the vehicle\u2019s transmission \u2013 whether it is manual or automatic. Ordinary vehicles are fitted with three main <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theengineerspost.com\/types-of-transmission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">types of transmission systems<\/a>. Here is a brief overview of the neutral safety switch\u2019s location depending on your car\u2019s transmission system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Manual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A manual vehicle\u2019s neutral safety switch is located on the clutch pedal \u2013 essentially, it is a clutch safety switch. Interestingly, you can start a manual vehicle in any gear as long as you press down on the clutch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Automatic (Column Shifter)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An automatic vehicle with a column shifter features a neutral safety switch under the shifter in the column. The switch plugs directly into the car\u2019s wiring harness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Automatic (Floor Shifter)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An automatic vehicle with a floor-mounted shifter features a neutral safety switch in one of two locations: on the transmission or under the shifter. Ideally, the shifter is the most accessible place to start looking if you don\u2019t know the switch\u2019s precise location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neutral_Safety_Switch_Wiring\"><\/span><a><\/a>Neutral Safety Switch Wiring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The neutral safety switch is connected to the car\u2019s wiring harness. Different cars\u2019 switches have varying wiring schematics. Some have two wires attached to the connectors, while others have only one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to understand the switch\u2019s wiring schematics \u2013 ideally, you only need to identify the outgoing and incoming voltage wires. However, it is advisable to reference the car\u2019s wiring diagram if you don\u2019t understand the neutral safety switch\u2019s wiring schematics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_a_Fuse_for_the_Neutral_Safety_Switch\"><\/span><a><\/a>Is There a Fuse for the Neutral Safety Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes, every vehicle has a fuse for its neutral safety switch.<\/strong> Unfortunately, the fuse functions as a surge protector \u2013 it will blow before the excess power reaches the neutral safety switch. Therefore, replacing the switch\u2019s fuse immediately after blowing is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neutral safety switch fuses come in varying shapes and sizes. They also have varying amperage ratings. You <em>must <\/em>use one compatible with your car\u2019s neutral safety switch\u2019s amperage rating to avoid more circuit and electrical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Check_a_Neutral_Safety_Switch\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Do You Check a Neutral Safety Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A malfunctioning neutral safety switch is dangerous, and it is advisable to test yours as soon as you suspect any problems. Here is a brief step-by-step guide on checking and testing a neutral safety switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Equipment Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need the following tools and equipment to test your car\u2019s safety neutral switch. Notably, the tools vary depending on the vehicle\u2019s transmission system. The tools needed include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Voltmeter<\/li><li>Jump wire<\/li><li>Ratchet<\/li><li>Socket set<\/li><li>Screwdriver<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth noting that the voltmeter and jump wire only work on cars with manual transmission systems, while the rest are required for a car with an automatic transmission system. You may also need a floor jack and jack stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Locate the Neutral Safety Switch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you need to locate your car\u2019s neutral safety switch. As discussed earlier, the switch\u2019s location will depend on the car\u2019s transmission system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, you should check under the clutch pedal for manual cars and either on the transmission or shifter for automatic cars \u2013 it looks somewhat like a cigarette lighter. You can also consult your vehicle\u2019s manufacturer or a professional if you cannot locate the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Check the Wiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The next step involves unplugging the neutral safety switch from the wiring connector. The switch is connected to the starter solenoid using several wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different vehicle makes and models have varying wiring layouts, and it is advisable to reference your vehicle\u2019s wiring manual if you aren\u2019t familiar with the technical details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Test for Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Testing for power may seem complicated, but it\u2019s easy if you follow the instructions correctly. Do the following to test the wiring harness and neutral safety switch for power:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Set the gear in reverse.<\/li><li>Insert the key into the ignition switch without turning it on.<\/li><li>Attach a 12-volt test light to the wiring connectors to check for power. The wiring harness should light the test bulb if it is not faulty.<\/li><li>Reattach the neutral safety switch to the wiring connectors. Ideally, the bulb should light if the switch is functioning properly.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The bulb may not light up immediately after reconnecting the neutral safety switch, which may indicate a problem with the wiring harness. In this case, testing all the wires for loose connections is advisable. However, it is safe to conclude that the neutral safety switch is faulty if you don\u2019t detect loose connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Is There a Fuse for the Neutral Safety Switch\" class=\"wp-image-2631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Is-There-a-Fuse-for-the-Neutral-Safety-Switch2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_When_the_Neutral_Safety_Switch_Goes_Bad\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Happens When the Neutral Safety Switch Goes Bad?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A faulty neutral safety switch can make your car difficult or impossible to start. At the very least, you may need to turn the ignition switch several times while switching between the park and neutral modes before the car can start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, a dead neutral safety switch may cut off all power to the starter, so you may also need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=K3Hti3Y9q2Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bypass it to start your car<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_a_Bad_Neutral_Safety_Switch\"><\/span><a><\/a>Symptoms of a Bad Neutral Safety Switch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How can you tell if your car\u2019s neutral safety switch is faulty? The following symptoms are good indicators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li>The car\u2019s engine doesn\u2019t crank when you turn the ignition key on while in park mode.<\/li><li>The car\u2019s engine cranks in park mode but doesn\u2019t when in neutral mode.<\/li><li>The car\u2019s engine doesn\u2019t crank in both neutral and park modes.<\/li><li>The car cranks in any gear (a potential safety hazard).<\/li><li>The backup lights don\u2019t turn on when in reverse mode.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth noting that these symptoms could be indicators of problems with other electrical and mechanical components. Ultimately, it is advisable to schedule comprehensive diagnostics before testing the neutral safety switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neutral_Safety_Switch_Replacement\"><\/span><a><\/a>Neutral Safety Switch Replacement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dhkfq6kFtP4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">replace a bad neutral safety switch<\/a> as quickly as possible. Fortunately, the process is fast and easy. You only need to unplug the switch, loosen the mounting bolts, and wiggle it to get it out. You can then insert a new one, fasten the mounting bolts, and plug it into the connectors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A vehicle\u2019s fuses protect its electrical system and components from power surges. All vehicles are fitted with multiple switches for specific electrical components. The neutral&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transmission","category-electronics","wpcat-20-id","wpcat-12-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2629"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2629"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2646,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2629\/revisions\/2646"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}