Bypassing the neutral safety switch is not recommended. The reasons it increased risk and the danger associated with that. However, if you still want to know how to bypass the neutral safety switch this article will guide you.
The inhibitor switch or neutral safety switch is in all the latest and modern vehicles. The purpose of the neutral safety switch is to ensure stability in the car from starting in any gear unless it’s in neutral or park.
It is more of a safety parameter that is responsible to keep off the starting of your vehicles when transmission is not set to park to neutral. So you can infer how important its proper functionality is. With the neutral safety switch your car won’t move farther unexpectedly during engine start.
When the switch is not activated, the circuit won’t be completed hence your vehicles will not start. Keep reading the article to find answers.
What is a Neutral Safety Switch?
In the latest cars and vehicles, the neutral safety switch is the electronic component that is responsible for stopping the car from moving when the engine is working. The abrupt movement can be forward or backward depending which gear was in use.
During the gear (when car is in gear) the transmission is connected to the engine and when you try to start the car it will cause the car to move suddenly which is dangerous for the driver of another passerby/vehicle that has been beside it.
How to Bypass Neutral Safety Switch on Clutch Pedal
First off, make sure the type of the switch in your vehicle so that its bypassing becomes more practical. For instance, if the car features the manual transmission, the switch will be on the clutch pedal.
Therefore, you will only need on-and-off switches with an input and output wire. For bypassing the new neutral safety switch connect the two wires together and that is all.
For a permanent solution, cut the wires and join them together. However, you can also bridge the wires by unplugging the connector. If switch connects through electric terminals; unplug the terminals and join the piece of wires
In an ideal case, you should replace the clutch switch; however, bypassing the solution is only for emergency situations.
How to Bypass the Neutral Safety Switch on the Transmission
If the neutral safety switch is on the automatic transmission, bypassing it can be a bit tough. The reason is auto-transmission switches integrate the car indicators and send the info to the ECU (engine control unit). Moreover, these switches also give privilege to the car to start I park instead of only in neutral.
The automatic transmission switches have 5 to size wire on them and you should properly know about exactly which terminals to the bridge. Use the manual for your specific car model for finding the connector.
All you have to do is to unplug the neutral safety switch connector and take out a piece of wire and bridge the correct two terminals.
Related: How to Bypass Fuel Pump Relay
Other Ways to Bypass the Neutral Safety Switch
- Change the switch: To modify the switch, remove the switch and join the wires directly to each other. It’s for when the switch is damaged or defective. It will bypass the switch and allow the car to start.
- Reprogram the vehicle’s computer: For latest cars, reprogram the computer to bypass the neutral safety switch. This solution helps to start the car without the switch being activated. Reprogramming the computer is only done by professionals with proper gear; otherwise you may damage the car.
- Replace the switch with bypass plug: Remove the switch and replace it with a bypass plug that connects the wires directly to each other. Look for the wires that go to the switch, and disconnect them. Replace them with the bypass plug.
- Add external switch: Install a remote starter which lets you start the car remotely. It’s only for automatic cars.
Dangers/Risks of Bypassing the Neutral Safety Switch
- The car will move forward or backward and can roughly ram into a wall,/another vehicle, or even hit someone. It can cause serious injuries
- Kids can get access to start the car because they don’t have to press the clutch pedal
- It can lead to many injuries and serious damage to the driver and, or vehicle.
- Possible damage to the transmission
FAQs
Is It Expensive To Replace The Neutral Safety Switch?
The cost of replacing the neutral safety switch depends on the car models and its functionality. For example the Ford F-150 switch on AutoZone is between $30 and $50, and for other cars such as Silverado the cost can be between $50 to $80. The cost of the switch itself is about $10 and $30 but the labor cost and other aspects will add to that.
Can I Drive Without a Neutral Safety Switch?
You cannot drive without the neutral safety switch in the car. Even if the switch is faulty, you cannot drive due to the fact the engine won’t start.
Therefore, you should replace the switch for its ideal performance. For emergency situations and for a short time, you can also bypass the neutral safety switch; however, it can be dangerous especially for automatic vehicles.
What is Another Name for a Neutral Safety Switch?
The neutral safety switch is also commonly known for many other names such as inhibitor switch. Likewise, some car owners and professional mechanics also refer to it as the transmission range sensor. The reason is because it’s related to the very same unit of TRS.
Conclusion
Bypassing the neutral safety switch is not something that anyone would recommend you due to high risks associated with that. So unless you own a manual transmission vehicle, bypassing the inhibitor switch is not a wise idea.
In most manual transmission vehicles, you just need to find out the clutch switch behind the pedal and join the two wires together that you see. However, it’s only for emergency situations.