Automatic Transmission Neutral Range Switch

This task was somewhat a pain mainly because of lack of access. Definitely doable, but count on some nicks and cuts on the knuckles. It took me a few hours, and a fair amount of coffee.

I had a lot of use of posts by J.T. and Derek in Durham on the NG900 board.

Have some cable ties handy. Many broke by just looking at them. Brittle from heat exposure.

First put the transmission in Neutral. Make sure to use the parking brake and maybe also block the wheels so it won’t roll. Do it on flat ground.

Remove the battery. (13mm)

Remove the battery tray. 3x 10mm and one Torx screw.

Remove the power steering hose bracket 10mm. It has two battery cable clamps attached to it

as well that need to rotate 90 degrees to become undone. I also removed the front/center bolt to be able to move the hose/pipe better.

Remove the AT dipstick tube 13mm. It also clamps a battery cable. Make sure the area around the tube is clean.

Dirt will fall into the AT. Pull the tube straight up with tiny wiggles. It’s difficult but be patient. Plug the hole with something.

To get better access I unplugged both the AT switch- and the other connector

attached to the battery tray bracket. This way the bracket can be moved.

Remove the left most bolt (looking from front) of the switch 17mm. This is a combination bolt where also the dipstick tube attached.

Remove the nut on the AT switch lever. 13mm. Pull the lever off.

Remove the nut from the switch shaft 22mm? There is a lock washer with tabs the need to be unbent to get to it.

To get more access I removed the AT cable bracket. 2x 13mm

The next bolt is the tough one. I was able to use a closed end wrench and putting it in from the back down to the bolt.

I had to push the wrench down at the bolt, and then turn very little at a time. Once loose it can be turned with the fingers.

Just take it out. Cut some cable ties if they don’t fall apart by themselves.

I believe I broke the AT vent hose when I took the switch out. Not much room and very brittle hose.

Installing is in reverse. Leave the large nut on the switch on but unscrew it almost all the way when installing. Remember to bend the lock nut tabs.

The switch needs to be aligned with the lever pointer and a mark on the switch. The shifter has to be in Neutral. Help may be needed to hold the shifter still.

Tightening the rightmost 17mm bolt is tougher now since the lever and shift cable is on. I tightened the left bolt first during alignment since it’s easier to get to.

Other than that just put things back and replace cable ties and connect connectors (and for me replace vent hose).