Hi. I have searched the net and numerous forums to no avail. Can anyone tell me the location of the "neutral safety switch" or "inhibitor switch" on my 2005 D3. The car wont start unless I turn the key to start position and hold it in position whilst moving the gear selector from park to neutral. I have been told that the above mentioned switch could be the problem but cannot find it. It sometimes starts in neutral and sometimes in park but can sometimes take several attempts. I think that the contacts of the switch need cleaning or .the switch may be defective
I hope that my explanation of the staring method can help in the diagnosis.
Thanks in advance for any help.
2nd Jun 2015 10:45 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
No doubt the gear shift is a bit stiff too.
Anyway, it usually is the gear shift linkage which is accessed by a panel underneath the gearbox. Sometimes just some spray grease and working the lever is enough but even if you need a new linkage bushing it is cheap and easy to do DIY.
Thanks for the welcome and message.
The shift is loose actually. I have read the topic on the linkage but don't understand how that applies to the starting problem? Does the linkage connect to a switch? Thanks again
2nd Jun 2015 11:07 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
If the linkage is out of adjustment either due to corrosion, failure or mechanical wear then it does not make correct contact with the inhibitor. If you read through the big thread you will see details on how the linkage is set correctly and it has to be done precisely for it to work.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
After inspection of the "cable" and linkage there is no corrosion, in fact it is very clean and not worn. As stated previously the gear selector is smooth, not stiff.
So to my original question in part, can anyone tell me where the "inhibitor" or "neutral safety" switch is so that I can inspect the contacts and check for corrosion or otherwise.
Thanks
8th Jun 2015 10:23 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
The P, R, N, D position switch assembly is in the mechatronic valve block, bathed in oil inside the transmission, located immediately behind the linkage you have just inspected. The signal output can be tested with a suitable diagnostic tool (eg GAP IIDTool):
Click image to enlarge
There is also a feed to the selector lever (pin 2) and the starter inhibit is on the main transmission connector on pin 10, with the park position confirmation on pin 12.
Did you follow the adjustment procedure for the cable linkage as you did not mention completing this?Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Thanks again for the reply. I have carried out the adjustment as indicated in the previous post.
I don have access to the diagnostic tool. Due to the location of the switch I wont be pulling it out in a hurry either. Looks like for now I'll have to start the car by moving the gear lever between park and neutral.
Cheers
11th Jun 2015 7:26 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
You could still probe the pins to see if you have the adjustment correct.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 18 Aug 2013
Location: Aberdeenish
Posts: 1691
If you hold the lever in one particular place between P & N then turn the key does that work?
Are you holding the key on start and simultaneously moving the lever until the starter kicks in?
If so then it is an adjustment issue and as Robbie says very pernickety.Stew,
2010 D4 gone but I really loved it
Went back to Merc - C350 AMG
11th Jun 2015 7:58 am
dytor
Member Since: 02 Jun 2015
Location: WA
Posts: 9
Robbie - Ok. I'll get a multimeter and check the pins as described.
Stew - I have tried a combination of starting methods. Holding the key and moving the shift lever and just moving the shift lever into position then turning the key. Both methods work...sometimes.
It will only start though when the selector is in either park or neutral. It wont start in drive or in-between drive and neutral.
For the last few days I have moved the shift up and down through the gear range a few times before trying to start the engine, returning it to park and it starts first time every time . Maybe the adjustment has helped a bit? fingers crossed.
I'll have to leave this for a few weeks as I'm flying interstate today. I'll update when I get back.
Thanks to both of you.
11th Jun 2015 10:43 pm
dytor
Member Since: 02 Jun 2015
Location: WA
Posts: 9
I have now had a chance to take a look at the adjustment issue.
I have again adjusted the cable according to the instructions but I still get the same intermittent problem. Sometimes its starts, sometimes it doesn't.
When it doesn't start I get a fairly loud clicking sound (relay?)
Can I pull/push the selector cable/rod with the locknut loosened then tighten the nut to alter the travel?
Is the cable adjustment millimetre critical?
I'm at a loss so any help or further advice would be greatly appreciated.
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. Maybe the adjustment has helped a bit? fingers crossed.
