Neutral Safety Switch: Service and Repair

TEST
The 31TH park/neutral starting switch is the center terminal of the three terminal switch. It provides ground for the starter solenoid circuit through the selector lever in PARK and NEUTRAL positions only.
1. To test switch, remove wiring connector from switch and test for continuity between center pin of switch and transaxle case. Continuity should exist only when transaxle is in PARK or NEUTRAL.
2. Check gearshift cable adjustment before replacing a switch that tests bad.

REMOVAL
1. Unscrew switch from transaxle case allowing fluid to drain into a container. Move selector lever to PARK, then to NEUTRAL position, and inspect to see the switch operating lever fingers are centered in switch opening.

INSTALLATION
1. Screw the switch with a new seal into transaxle case and tighten to 33 Nm (24 ft. lbs.). Retest switch with the test lamp.
2. Add fluid to transaxle to bring up to proper level.
3. The back-up lamp switch circuit is through the two outside terminals of the three terminal switch.
4. To test switch, remove wiring connector from switch and test for continuity between the two outside pins.
5. Continuity should exist only with transaxle in REVERSE position.
6. No continuity should exist from either pin to the case.