How to Connect a Neutral Switch on a Chevrolet Truck
by Russell WoodThe neutral safety switch is intended for trucks with an automatic transmission. The switch is designed so that the engine isn't able to start unless the transmission is either shifted into the Neutral or Park positions. Should this switch fail, then the vehicle can be started in any gear, which could cause an accident. Failure of the switch also will prevent the truck from starting at all. To fix the issue, you need to install a neutral safety switch in the transmission, which takes about an hour to complete.
Step 1
Park the Chevrolet truck, and engage the parking brake. Lift the front of the truck using the jack, and put jack stands under the frame.
Step 2
Crawl under the driver's side of the truck and locate the transmission. Find the shifter linkage, which is on the driver's side of the transmission. Unbolt the shifter linkage with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the wiring harness on the neutral safety switch with your hands. Unbolt the switch with an open-end wrench, and remove it from the transmission.
Step 3
Install the replacement neutral safety switch into GM Tool J 41364-A so the slots on the switch align with the tabs on the bottom of the tool. Turn the tool so that the top locator pin on the tool lines up with the slot on the switch. Slide the switch into its mounting place, and secure it to the transmission with an open-end wrench.
Step 4
Connect the wiring to the replacement switch using your hands. Reinstall the shifter linkage with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lower the truck off the jack stands using the jack.
References
- "Chilton General Motors Full Size Trucks 1988-1998 Repair Manual"; Thomas A. Mellon; 1998
Tips
- You can find GM Tool J 41364-A at a local GM dealership, and also at specialty tool suppliers such as Snap-On or Mac.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Open-end wrench set
- Replacement neutral safety switch
- GM Tool J 41364-A
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
