Neutral Safety Switch Bypass (All You Need To Know)
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Contemporary automobiles possess an abundance of safety features. These encompass airbags, anti-lock brake systems (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA), lane support systems (LSS), reversing cameras, blind spot alerts, traction control systems, cruise control systems, and even adaptive lights. The catalog appears infinite.
These features grant modern vehicles a high level of sophistication and safety, but they can equally cause numerous issues when malfunctioning.
In such cases, the most straightforward remedy is often to circumvent or deactivate these intricate yet secure systems (Neutral safety switch bypass).
Whether this course of action proves favorable or unfavorable depends on the situation and the specific safety feature. This article will cover the neutral safety switch - one of many safety features prevalent in present-day automobiles.
We will discuss what the neutral safety switch entails, how to bypass it, why you might want to do so, and whether it's a sound decision.
Table of Contents
What Is a Neutral Safety Switch?
The neutral safety switch constitutes an electronic component that forestalls the vehicle from abruptly lurching forward or backward upon starting the engine. The direction of the unexpected motion hinges on the gear in which the car is located.
When the automobile is in gear, the drivetrain or transmission links to the engine. Any attempt to start the vehicle might prompt the drivetrain to rotate simultaneously, prompting the vehicle to dart.
This sudden vehicular movement may cause damage to adjacent parked automobiles or even incur damage upon collision with a wall.
In either case, repairing the car's bumper or fender will entail unexpected expenditure and, in the worst-case scenario, hospitalization fees in case of injury to the individuals involved.
To avert such circumstances, the neutral safety switch obstructs the engine from initiating when the gear is in any position other than neutral or park.
In neutral or park mode, the transmission disengages from the engine, facilitating the safe startup of the automobile.
Neutral Safety Switch Bypass
While bypassing the neutral safety switch is feasible, doing so is ill-advised. Bypassing the switch necessitates linking its wires to enable the automobile to commence operation even when in gear.
This can be achieved by splicing the wires jointly, installing a toggle switch, or utilizing a relay. These methods will be expounded upon in a subsequent section.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that circumventing the neutral safety switch nullifies a vital safety feature of your vehicle and may lead to expensive repairs if not executed with precision.
How To Bypass Neutral Safety Switch
There are several prevalent techniques utilized in bypassing the neutral safety switch. It is worth noting that this operation entails a moderate level of complexity.
Hence, if you need more automotive experience, it would be prudent to seek the services of a mechanic rather than embark on the process independently.
With that in mind, the standard methods of circumventing the neutral safety switch include the following:
1. External Switch Method
Detaching the neutral safety switch to circumvent it is not always obligatory. This method enables the retention of the switch in its original state while facilitating easy bypass by merely pressing a button.
Most individuals opt for installing a remote starter to accomplish this feat. This electronic gadget allows for remote initiation of the vehicle's engine. The starter must bypass the safety switch when the car has a manual transmission.
Numerous remote starters can accomplish this function, with the method of bypass contingent on the specific remote starter in use.
It is imperative to note, however, that utilizing this method can engender challenges.
2. Relay Method
The relay method circumvents direct engagement with the neutral safety switch. Instead, the focus shifts to the starter relay, typically in the fuse box.
However, reference to the vehicle's service manual may be necessary to pinpoint the precise location of the starter relay in your particular model.
Once located, identifying the brown wire on the relay (or the one labeled G-Ground) that links to the neutral safety switch and removing the wire suffices.
To ground the terminal, another wire connects to the terminal on the starter relay and links to the vehicle's chassis. And with that, the neutral safety switch is successfully bypassed.
It is imperative to note that this method only applies to vehicles with separate starter relays (solenoids).
Modern relays are generally situated directly on the starter motor, so the jumper method is most suited to bypass the neutral safety switch.
3. The Jumper Method
You may know what this method entails if you have ever jump-started your car. However, unlike traditional jump-starting, this process does not require another car or a long cable.
Instead, you must locate the neutral safety switch - this can be achieved by consulting the relevant section of your car manual or by referring to the guidelines provided in the manual itself.
After successfully locating the safety switch, discern the two wires either extruding from it or penetrating it, contingent on the type of car being worked on and whether it features a clutch safety switch (for manual transmissions) or a neutral safety switch (for automatic transmissions). To circumvent the safety mechanism, extract the wires and interconnect them.
If the bypass is intended to be ephemeral, the wires may be affixed together using tape; however, if the bypass is intended to be enduring, the wires must be joined together by soldering for a more stable linkage.
4. Reprogramming the Computer
The neutral safety switch can be circumvented in certain instances by reprogramming the vehicle's computer.
Typically, this method is utilized when the switch malfunctions and necessitates replacement.
A skilled professional with appropriate equipment and expertise must interface with the vehicle's computer and alter the programming to evade the switch.
Subsequently, the vehicle can start without activating the switch. This approach should be executed solely by a qualified expert since erroneous programming can potentially inflict harm to the vehicle.
5. Modify the Switch
Altering the switch requires extracting it and directly connecting the wires. This technique is frequently employed when the switch is defective or malfunctioning and requires substitution.
To modify the switch, first locate the wires that lead to the switch, then disengage the switch and directly connect the wires.
In doing so, the switch will be circumvented, enabling the vehicle to start. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that this method should only be executed by a proficient individual with the appropriate equipment and expertise, as faulty wiring can lead to detrimental effects on the vehicle.
6. Ground the Switch
The temporary bypass method of grounding the switch involves separating the switch and joining one of the wires to the ground on the vehicle.
This standard procedure is used when the switch is jammed in the "on" position, impeding the vehicle from starting.
Grounding the switch entails a preliminary step of identifying the wires affixed to the switch, followed by detaching the switch and eventually attaching one of the wires to a pre-existing metal component of the grounded vehicle.
While this method may provide a temporary solution and allow the vehicle to start, it is crucial to recognize that this approach only offers a transitory workaround and should not be regarded as a permanent resolution to the underlying issue.
Risks Associated With the Neutral Safety Switch Bypassing
Bypassing the neutral safety switch poses a significant hazard, as it can result in unintended vehicle movement when attempting to start the engine.
This danger is compounded by the fact that individuals often do not consider whether the transmission is in neutral or if the clutch pedal is engaged, as the safety switch typically operates on a subconscious level.
The consequences of bypassing the safety switch have been severe, with numerous serious injuries resulting from this practice.
Moreover, allowing children to start the engine without pressing the clutch pedal presents additional risk.
Furthermore, those who perform maintenance on the vehicle may need to be made aware of the bypass, placing them in harm's way.
Even if the bypass is reported to those working on the car, there is a possibility that the information will only be conveyed to some individuals involved.
Additionally, it is crucial to inform future owners of the bypass. Ultimately, it is strongly advised to expeditiously replace the switch as soon as practicable, as the expense is not excessive, and the potential for harmful outcomes is substantial.
Reasons for Bypassing the Neutral Safety Switch
As with many vehicle parts, neutral safety switches can deteriorate over time due to moisture, heat, dirt, and corrosion exposure.
Cleaning the undercarriage can help prolong the switch's lifespan, but it will eventually degrade.
There are several reasons drivers might choose to bypass the neutral safety switch, including the appearance of the service engine light, the ability to start the car in any gear, difficulties changing gears, and the failure to start the vehicle in either park or neutral.
If the service engine light illuminates, it indicates that the switch is weakening and should be fixed or replaced.
If the engine light is flashing, however, it may indicate a more serious problem and requires the attention of a professional mechanic.
When the neutral safety switch is in good working order, the vehicle should only start when in neutral or park. If it can start in any gear, this indicates that the switch is malfunctioning and should be bypassed until it can be replaced.
If changing gears becomes challenging, bypassing the neutral safety switch until a new one can be installed is a viable solution. It is also essential to have the transmission inspected for any damaged gears.
If the vehicle fails to start in neutral or park, it indicates a faulty neutral safety switch, electrical failure, or a loose switch end. Consider bypassing the switch until a professional mechanic inspects the vehicle and addresses the problem.
Finally, if the vehicle starts only in neutral and not in park, it may indicate a failing neutral safety switch, battery issues, or broken starters. Temporarily bypassing the switch can help resolve the problem, but the switch should be replaced immediately.
