What is a neutral safety switch?
The neutral safety switch prevents the car from starting in any gear except neutral or park. This is a safety measure to keep the vehicle from moving before the driver is ready.FunctionThe neutral safety switch is an electrical component that interrupts the circuit to the starter solenoid or relay unless the gear selector is in a specific position.FeaturesThe switch is present only on vehicles with automatic transmissions, not on vehicles with manual engines.ConsiderationsThis safety feature keeps people and things from being hit when the car is started if they are in its path.InnovationsMore recent models of neutral safety switches also prevent a vehicle from starting unless the brake is depressed.MalfunctionsWhen a vehicle starts in neutral but not in park, the neutral safety switch must be replaced.
