1994 Camry Neutral Safety Switch Removal

[Microman]

Ever since I bought the car (used) for my daughter the lights on the dash to indicate what gear she was in have been either not lighting or completely out. And occasionally she would not be able to start the car because I believe the same culprit (The Neutral Safety Switch). I have read that a new one costs around $300. And I have read a link that tells about adjusting it. And I have found the link at Autozone, that tells about removing it.

If I was to go to a Pic A Part, or Ecology auto wrecking what do you think would be the minimal tools to take to get one off the car. I assume I would have to remove from below the car, or at a junk yard should I attempt from top down?. I suppose a small flat screw driver to remove Electrical connection, Or I could cut the harness above. There is a nut that holds the Shift Cable, does anyone know the size or would an adjustable fit there?.

Sure wish these little switches were servicable. Daughter is doing a stop by, to get this thing fixed, and thought it would be nice to have another before she stops by. Not sure if just adjusting hers would do the trick. Seems only occasionally she cant startthen takes out of park and back in and it may start.

[toyomoho]

If auto trans you should be able to remove the switch from above.

The nut holding the shift lever on is 12mm. The bolts holding the switch are 10mm. There is also a large nut behind the shifter arm apears to be 22mm.

The harness plug pulls out once the retaining clip is pulled back.

This is for the 4-cylinder.

See photo below:

http://info.rockauto.com/SMP/SMPDetail2.html?NS142.jpg

[Microman]

Are there any instructions that show how to take apart the console, to get down to the switch? I have the Autozone Haynes? manual, but it hardly mentions the switch and only lightly talks about removing the radio, and nothing about getting to the switch from the top.

I guess I could learn by going to the junk yard. Not as much risk to breaking something, and I will learn how it comes apart.

Thanks.

[davemac2]

Originally Posted by Microman

Are there any instructions that show how to take apart the console, to get down to the switch? I have the Autozone Haynes? manual, but it hardly mentions the switch and only lightly talks about removing the radio, and nothing about getting to the switch from the top.

I guess I could learn by going to the junk yard. Not as much risk to breaking something, and I will learn how it comes apart.

Thanks.

I don't think you are understanding toyomoho's explanation. The switch is under the hood attached to the front of the transmission where the shift cable enters the trans. This is below the battery tray typically, so you would need to remove that also to get at it from above. It's not under the shifter in the cabin as far as I know.

dave mc

[Microman]

Took a look at a few in the junkyard, and yes now I understand its location.

Seems to be an integral part of the shifting mechanism. As that shifting rod goes right thru the actual switch. Now I understand why the adjustment procedure talks about moving the switch all the way to the right side of the car.

Will take a look at daughters car when she comes and maybe remove the electrical connection, and use some contact cleaner or something recommended? on the connector and clean it up. And check adjustment per printout.

Thanks.

[Microman]

I found the switch. A little tight below the Cruise Control. I cleaned external surface so I could see. THe car will start if I use the two hand techniqwue.

I cant see how to get the plug off. Is the hold down point on the side facing me on the long side? and not on the ends.?

It did not want to start this am, but when I push the gearshif a little one direction it does start.

But thought I would get plug off and clean a little, but a lttle timid as to where to put pressure