Neutral safety switch?

1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
130,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KARMALOVE1415
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  • 2 POSTS
Does the neutral safety switch have anything to do with the transmission shifting in and out of gear
Dec 11, 2025 at 9:57 AM
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CANNON1349
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Hello, if the range sensor is out of adjustment it can interfere with shifting considering it moves the manual valve in the transmission. What kind of issues are you experiencing with the shifting?

William
Dec 11, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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KARMALOVE1415
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The car moves fine in reverse but when I put it in drive it will start to go but won't move no faster than 5 mph but the engine will continue to rev like it's accelerating but if I lift the rear tires in the air the tires spin at the speed it's supposed to
Mar 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM
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CANNON1349
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 POSTS
Hello,
It looks like you will need to purchase or rent an oil pressure gauge kit so get a reading for the transmission pump pressure. That will be the first step in diagnosing transmission issues. Of course make sure the fluid level is correct and in proper condition. If you can, you should also scan the system for codes for any clues that may relate to transmission engagement.

Hope this helps,
William
Mar 4, 2026 at 6:03 PM