OEM 2006 Toyota Highlander Neutral Safety Switch

2006 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the PARK/NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH on 2006 Toyota Highlander?

  A: The PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH servicing process starts with the removal of the battery along with engine under cover No. 1 and air cleaner assembly. The transmission control cable assembly separation begins by removing the nut from the control shaft lever followed by disconnection of the control cable which allows removal of the clip from the bracket while touching only the resin guide pipe. The maintenance of the park/neutral position switch requires disconnecting its connector and removing the nut and washer and control shaft lever before prying up the lock plate using a screwdriver to access the lock nut and plate for removal and pull out the switch. The switch operation needs inspection by performing these steps: apply parking brake, switch ignition to ON position to start the engine through N or P modes but enable the reverse warning buzzer and Back Up light only through R mode. Proceed with checking for continuity if any failure occurs. Measuring resistance requires a vehicle on jack stands and the disconnecting the switch connector followed by specified resistance tests. The switch adjustment requires users to loosen bolt screws first then move the shift lever to the N position before aligning the groove with the neutral basic line while keeping the switch in position and finally tightening the bolts to 5.4 Nm (55 kgf-cm, 48 inch lbs.). A subsequent operation inspection must be executed following the adjustment steps. The first step of installation comprises attaching the park/neutral position switch to the manual valve shaft followed by fastening two bolts temporarily while inserting a new lock plate and securing it with a torque of 6.9 Nm (70 kgf-cm, 61 inch lbs.). Place the control shaft lever into position and turn it counterclockwise until it stops then clockwise two notches before removing the lever to position the groove with the neutral basic line and secure the switch using bolts that should reach a torque of 5.4 Nm (55 kgf-cm, 48 inch lbs.). Bend the tabs of the lock plate then attach the control shaft lever with washer and nut at 13 Nm (130 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.). Finish by connecting the switch connector. Connect the control cable to the control shaft lever by torquing the nut to 13 Nm (133 kgf-cm, 10 ft. lbs.) then install the cable with a new clip to the bracket. The inspection of assembly operation for the park/neutral position switch follows which is accompanied by shift lever position assessment and optional adjustment of the shift lever before reinstalling the air cleaner assembly together with engine under cover No. 1 and battery.