Park/Neutral Position Switch Circuit Failure
There's an issue with the park/neutral position switch circuit.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The park/neutral position switch tells the engine control module (ECM) if the vehicle is in park or neutral. If this switch fails, the ECM might think the vehicle is in gear and could prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall.
What the computer is actually seeing
The ECM expects to see a stable voltage signal from the park/neutral position switch, typically around 0 volts when in park or neutral, and close to battery voltage (around 12-14 volts) when in gear. If this signal is missing or erratic, it triggers the code.
What a healthy reading looks like
0 volts (park/neutral) and 12-14 volts (in gear) when the transmission is shifted.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Check the wiring and connector to the park/neutral position switch for damage or loose connections. This is a common fault.
- 22. Measure the voltage at the park/neutral position switch with the ignition on (but engine off). You should see battery voltage (12-14V) when the shifter is in gear and close to 0V in park/neutral.
- 33. If the voltages are incorrect in step 2, replace the park/neutral position switch and recheck.
- 44. If the switch is good but the wiring and connector are damaged, fix those and retest.
- 55. If everything checks out, consider testing the ECM for faults. A faulty ECM is rare but possible.
Common causes
- Faulty park/neutral position switch
- Damaged wiring or connector to the switch
- Poor ground connection
- ECM malfunction
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
It's not recommended, as the vehicle may not start or could stall unexpectedly.
Will the code come back after clearing it?
If the underlying issue isn't fixed, yes, it will likely return.
Why does this code appear with other codes?
Related codes often indicate issues in the transmission or wiring, leading to multiple faults.
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