OEM 2001 Toyota Highlander Neutral Safety Switch

2001 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace a Neutral Safety Switch on 2001 Toyota Highlander?

  A: The first step for replacing the Transmission Position Switch/Sensor requires removal of the engine under cover No. 1 [51441 / 98-91]. The floor shift transmission control cable assembly [33820B / 98-43] needs to be separated by first removing the control shaft lever nut and cable from the lever before clipping the bracket away from the cable. The park/neutral position switch assembly [84540G / 98-55] can be removed after disconnecting the nut and washer and control shaft lever then prying out the lock plate and unscrewing the manual valve shaft nut and finally extracting the switch by removing two bolts. Efficient installation of the new park/neutral position switch assembly [84540G / 98-55] requires users to connect it to the manual valve shaft, install a new lock plate next and finish with a nut torque of 6.9 Nm (70 kgf-cm, 61 inch lbs.). Install two bolts and the control shaft lever before turning it counterclockwise to a stop point and clockwise two notches and removing them all. Place the switch within the neutral basic line then secure it through two bolts to a torque specification of 5.4 Nm which equals 55 kgf-cm and 48 inch lbs. Secure the lock plate with a screwdriver-tightened nut before adding the control shaft lever, washer, and nut that needs to be tightened to 12.7 Nm (130 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.). Begin by putting the control cable on the control shaft lever through nuts followed by connection of the control cable to the bracket. Use the shift lever position to inspect these components together with the park/neutral position switch assembly [84540G / 98-55]. The park/neutral position switch assembly [84540G / 98-55] adjustment requires the driver to apply the brakes then activate the ON position of the ignition while the system starts in N or P positions and verifies the reverse warning buzzer illuminates with the Back Up light in R position. When a failure occurs check if the park/neutral position switch shows proper electrical flow. Adjustment of this switch requires users to first release the two park/neutral position switch bolts then position the shift lever to N before aligning the groove with the basic line while keeping the position in place until it reaches 5.4 Nm (55 kgf-cm, 48 inch lbs.) torque. The inspection should be executed post adjustment.