Repair 7

Can a Bad Neutral Safety Switch Cause a Car to Not Run

Since Karl Benz patented the automobile in 1886, it has undergone some drastic changes, such as: electric starter motor, fuel injection, electronic ignition and computerized engine management. One of the electronic advancements in modern automobiles was the neutral safety switch, This switch acts as a safety device by preventing the vehicle from starting in gear. When the neutral safety switch fails, it can cause more problems than you may think.

Mechanics

The neutral safety switch uses both electronic and mechanical mechanisms to perform its main function, which is to sense the position of the gear shifter and only allow an electrical current to pass through to the starter motor if the gear shifter is in "Neutral" or "Park."

Additional Functions

On some vehicles, the neutral safety switch performs multiple tasks. The most common secondary function is as the reverse light switch, meaning it also engages the reverse lights when you place the gear shifter in reverse.

Failure

As with any electromechanical component on your vehicle, the neutral safety switch can fail over time. If this sensor cannot correctly read the shifter being in Park or Neutral, it will not allow the car to start, leaving you stranded where you are.