Ford F5AZ-7A247-A Switch Assembly - Starter Inhibitor

To check the operation of the neutral safety switch, apply the parking brake and try to start the engine in each position of the selector lever. The engine should start only in Park and Neutral. If it starts in any other position, adjust the shift linkage and retest. If the engine still starts in any position other than Park or Neutral, replace the switch. To replace the switch, disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal, place the shift lever in Low and apply the parking brake. Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jackstands. Unplug the electrical connector from the neutral safety switch. Carefully unscrew the switch and O-ring. Install the switch and new O-ring, tightening it to the specified torque. Be cautious not to crush or puncture the walls of the switch. Install the electrical connector and connect the negative battery cable. Verify that the engine starts only when the selector is in the Neutral and Park positions. The AODE transmission used on 1992 through 1994 models does not have a neutral safety switch. That function has been incorporated into an information sensor known as the Manual Lever Position (MLP) sensor. And 1995 and later models, which are equipped with a 4R70W transmission, use a transmission range (TR) sensor, a similar device.

Make a paint or scribe mark on the transmission shift lever, relative to its position on the splined shaft from the transmission when in Neutral, then remove the nut and take off the shift lever.

You should check for signal voltage (10 volts or more). Replacement involves disconnecting the electrical connector, removing the retaining bolt, and lifting the VSS from the transmission.

The TR sensor serves as an information sensor for the powertrain control module (PCM) and performs functions similar to a Park/Neutral switch. It prevents the engine from starting in any gear other than Park or Neutral and activates the back-up lights when the shift lever is in Reverse. It also includes the sensing circuit for Neutral in 4X4 Low range on 4WD models.

Follow the transmission shift control cable adjustment and check for a distinct "click" when the shift lever selects each gear (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, etc.).

No, the AODE and 4R70W transmissions used on these vehicles do not have a neutral switch. That function has been incorporated into an information sensor known as the Manual Lever Position (MLP) sensor or, on 1995 and later models, the Transmission Range (TR) sensor.

The drill bit should be removed from the switch.

The manual shift linkage should be checked before adjusting the MLPS.

Manual transmission switches are closed by the clutch pedal assembly when the clutch is fully depressed. There are two types of manual switches: clutch pedal mounted (early models) and clutch master cylinder mounted (later models).

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal, place the shift lever in Low and apply the parking brake. 2. Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jackstands. 3. Unplug the electrical connector from the neutral start switch. 4. Carefully remove the switch and O-ring. 5. Install the switch and new O-ring and tighten it. 6. Install the electrical connector. 7. Connect the negative battery cable. 8. Verify that the engine starts only when the selector lever is in Park or Neutral.

Remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with air suspension, reactivate the air suspension system by turning on the switch.

Yes, the EEC system can detect sensor problems and set trouble codes to indicate specific faults.