Hey, maybe I'm just missing something obvious because I've searched and can't find any info on it, but I'm 98% sure my Neutral Switch is broken (the one on the transmission). I want to pull it off to test with a multimeter, but I can't seem to figure out a good way to get the thing off. Does anyone know how to do it with the car on jackstands, or is it something I need to get it on a lift to do? Thanks!

 

Why not just disconnect the two white harnesses and check it with the sensor installed?

 

I have a retarded question... What does that switch do? I'm pretty dam sure mine isn't plugged in right. From what I know it just detects if the transmission is in gear or not correct?

If the reverse switch and the neutral switch got cross connected what would happen?

 

....... you kidding me right ? u damn n00b !

Its a switch to tell the ECU that your transmission is at "neutral", so the idle won't just die off.

you can't cross connect any of them, it goes in only 1 way. (different kind of connector)

 

+2

even though the shop manual ask you to pull it out to test it, you can test it when its in the car.

 

Quick delete you post and Ill edit mine!! That way I can maintain my unnoobness!

We didn't drop the tranny so it was all by feel and Im pretty sure those connectors can plug into each other up there.

 

Its a $67 dollar switch, and mine seems to be throwing the code now also. I will just replace it.

 

mine goes only 1 way ? ...

 

were talking about the black and white connectors at the top of the tunnel correct?

 

Black connectors is for the reverse switch.
White connectors is for the neutral switch.
Hopefully I didn't get those mixed up...
The neutral switch is on the driver's side... so follow that

 

k I think we did it right. I am now taking off my noob hat.

 

you still a noob !

 

The connectors are identical. It's just an on/off switch that the PCM detects is either open or closed circuit so which connector is connected to which doesn't matter ...

 

for some reason my connector won't go into the other plug.

something to do with build up maybe ?

 

Its an rx8 nothing ever matches up... lol

 

Ahh I see

 

I could have sworn they were the same on mine, but maybe I'm lucky and just happen to match them up every time

but just so we're clear, I'm referring to both the white connectors for the neutral switch, not crossing them with the black connectors of the reverse switch.


.

 

Hm, so after messing with mine trying to unsuccessfully get it off, I needed to drive somewhere so I just dropped the car and decided to try again another day. BUT strangely everything seems to be working now...I'm guessing either a harness connector was loose or I have a short somewhere. I guess I'll just leave it alone for now and see if it starts acting up again.

 

Major thread bump, I know.. But I'm having the same issue.

I already have a new sensor in hand and I got under the car managed to get one of my wrench to fit on but I just don't have room to loosen it. Any special tools or tips guys???

 

Well just purchased a special socket from sears, another tool to my collection of never used again tools.

 

The cruise control also won't engage if the PCM thinks the car is in neutral. It took me a lot of head scratching for me to finally figure out that the trans shop incorrectly installed a sealing washer on the reverse switch during a rebuild, which was holding it out of the engagement area. The PCM could see that the switch was reading neutral despite also detecting and indicating speed through the ABS sensors. It would throw the switch code and the cruise control wouldn't work, but the switch itself tested fine. We could see the detent moving in out moving the shifter without the switch installed and decided to try it without the washer and voila, everything waJs back to normal. Looked at another trans later and theres not supposed to be a washer in there.

 

There are past threads on this. Some buy a deep socket and cut a slot on one side with a grinder for the wires to slide through while you tighten it down. Some use a crows foot on a socket ratchet. Taking the PPF loose and letting the trans drop down is probably the easiest thing to do.

 

^ may be easier but not exactly cheaper to do on your own.

For future readers.. If you don't have a tool to cut a slot into a socket you can order a special one here:
1-1/16 in. (27mm) 1/2 in. Drive GM Thermal Sensor Switch Socket- KD Tools-Tools-Mechanics & Auto Tools-Automotive Specialty Tools

 

Thank you. Stupid me also put a washer in there(that wasn't there from factory!) and now that I solved the x + 1 = 2 equation I can see why I suddenly got a P0850 neutral switch error after merely unscrewing the sensor in and out to do other work. After removing the stray washer everything was fine.
And to add my $0.02 on how to remove this switch with the gearbox in the car, the absolute best way is to buy a deep 27mm socket and cut a slot in it with an angle grinder, for the wires to pass through. No need to drop the PPF or anything else. Piece of cake!

 

^^^^^^ Those are some really great tips, thank you for sharing!!