Neutral safety switch replacement instructions needed

2002 BUICK CENTURY

125,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

BISMARCKSD

MEMBER
2 POSTS
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Went out to my car to test some keys that are spares, but I've never used them. I drove the car earlier in the day, no problems. Tried the keys, they got lights and power, but the starter didn't click over.
Went and got my regular set, same thing. car didn't start.
Did some research and said to look for the security light, so I got the directions how to do that. No security light.
Put the car in neutral, tried to start it. Nothing. Back in park, nothing.
I then pulled the shift lever all the way to the top, pulling it up into park and it started. Shut it down, tried again without pulling and now it works.
I'm "guessing" it may either be going bad or needs adjustment? I just don't know how to replace the switch, and all I've seen is how to test. Not how to replace.
Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Jan 12, 2021 at 10:43 PM

BISMARCKSD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Oh by the way, battery is fairly new. One year old. Trying to crank it, it did nothing. Starter didn't kick over. Once I moved the shift lever to the top with added force, it cranked over like normal.

Jan 12, 2021 at 10:46 PM

ASEMASTER6371

CERTIFIED EXPERT
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

I attached the procedure for you for the replacement of the switch. It is on top of the transmission.

Roy

PNP Switch Replacement
Removal Procedure

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1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Block the wheels.
3. Place the vehicle is the Neutral position.
4. Remove the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement or Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement.
5. Remove the automatic transaxle range selector cable from the PNP switch.

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6. Disconnect the PNP switch electrical connectors.
7. Remove the automatic transaxle range selector lever nut.
8. Remove the automatic transaxle range selector lever.

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9. Remove the PNP switch bolts.
10. Remove the PNP switch.

Installation Procedure

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1. Verify that the shift shaft in the Neutral position.

Important: DO NOT ROTATE A NEW PNP SWITCH. A new PNP switch is pinned in the Neutral position. If the bolt holes do not align with the mounting boss on the transaxle, verify that the shaft is in the Neutral position.
Adjust the PNP switch if the new switch has been rotated and the pin is broken or if using an old PNP switch.

2. Align the flats of the shift shaft to the flats in the PNP switch.
3. Install the PNP switch to the mounting boss.
4. Install the PNP switch bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the automatic transaxle range selector lever.
6. Install the automatic transaxle range selector nut.
Tighten the nut to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

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7. Connect the PNP switch electrical connectors.

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8. Install the automatic transaxle range selector cable to the PNP switch.

Important: Verify that the engine starts only in the Park position or the Neutral position once the PNP switch is installed. Readjust the PNP switch and/or inspect the shifter and the automatic transaxle range selector lever if the engine starts in any other position.
9. Install the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement or Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement.
10. Remove the blocks from the wheels.
11. Release the parking brake.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 13, 2021 at 2:19 AM