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Neutral safety switch

Tiny
GORILLUM
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 226,000 MILES
I think I need to replace the neutral safety switch. The car will not start or turn over. Radio, lights, etc. All work fine. The car for a few months would not start on occasion. If you moved the gear shift around and waited a couple minutes it would start. It got worse recently, and now nothing. I do have a replacement switch, I just don't know how to go about replacing it because I'm not sure of it's location. Under the hood or under the car, just not sure. Thanks for any help.
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 10:04 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The neutral safety switch (trans-axle range switch) is located on the top of the trans-axle. I attached a picture of its location

Let me know if this helps. Also, a faulty switch will set a diagnostic trouble code. If the check engine light was staying on, you may want to scan the computer to see if one exist.

Here is a quick video that shows how to scan a computer:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times parts stores will lend or rent one to you. It's just a thought.

Also, here is a link that shows how to check one of these switches. You may find it helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. I will give that a shot.
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Happy to help. Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I changed the switch, and it still won't start. Maybe I need to check the connections by the gear shift?
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome back:

I did some digging and found if it doesn't start after switch replacement, it may need to go through a neutral relearn. This requires a scanner. I have to be honest, I have never had this happen, but under technical service bulletins, I found this. Before we assume this needs done, confirm the lever is properly positioned. See picture 1

RANGE SWITCH "N" POSITION LEARNING:

Stop the vehicle, move the shift lever to "N" and set the parking brake.

Turn the ignition switch "ON (engine off)."

Loosen the nut on the shift cable. Align the dot (o) on the shift lever to the "N" mark on the TCU.

Tighten the nut on the shift cable.

Picture 1

Attach the GDS or Hi-Scan Pro.

Range Switch "N" Position Learning (GDS):

Picture 2

Follow the instructions on the screen and confirm the test indicates "Completed."

Range Switch "N" Position Learning
(Hi-Scan Pro):

Select "ADAPTIVE PROCEDURE OF N RANGE." Press "ENTER.":

Picture 3

Confirm the test indicates "Completed."

Move the shift lever from "P" to "D" and confirm the shift position indicator on the dash reads correctly. Confirm the correct gear indication using the Hi-Scan or GDS.

Move the shift lever from "P" to "D" and confirm the shift position indicator on the dash reads correctly. Confirm the correct gear indication using the Hi-Scan or GDS.

________________

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. I'll give that a try.
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Friday, March 8th, 2019 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Happy to help. Let me know how it works out for you or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, March 8th, 2019 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
GORILLUM
  • MEMBER
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Was told it could be a faulty ignition switch, so I changed that to no avail. Did discover the car will start if you wiggle the wires down near the fuse box and near the floorboard. I looked at the wires and didn't notice any bare wires or anything. So, not sure what the issue is, but the car does start about 50% of the time on the first try, and will start after wiggling he wires a little.
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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Welcome back:

Either something is loose or one of the pins has pushed in. What I want you to do is this. When it fails, move one of the three wires at a time so we can narrow it down to the specific wire. Also, please let me know the wire colors. That way I can try to identify it via wiring schematics.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 3:56 PM

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