Neutral Safety Switch

[54bobby]

I have an opportunity to pick up an fairly good condition 94 Cherokee 4x2. needs a neutral safety switch. how hard are they to change out? how involved for a shade tree mech? 

[gogmorgo]

They're pretty easy to change out, but very expensive, and more than likely it just needs a good cleaning.

http://www.bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neutral-safety-switch-nss/

 

When I cleaned mine out a couple months ago, I smeared some rtv around the seal to try to keep junk out of it.

[54bobby]

I've never worked on a nss before, what goes into cleaning one out? also, do I need to drop the pan? I was just on rock auto and they show 2, 1 for an AW4 for almost 200 and the other for a 3 speed trans for 8 bucks. does this seem correct?

[yxmj]

You do not need to drop the pan. The NSS is on the passenger side held on by 1) small bolt (for adjustment) and 2) a large nut.

 

Before you take it off loosen the small bolt and rotate the switch, have a helper look at the reverse lights (key must be on) turn the switch till the lights go on and note the position, then turn until they go off. The switch need to be seyt between these to points. Try it?

 

If not take the bolt out and turn the nut out until it is almost off....then use a flat screwdriver as a lever very carfully pry out on the nut and it will pop off. It will be plugged into the harness....unplug it.

 

Examine it and see if you can clean it with somthing like WD40....they are pretty basic and don't usally wear out. Clean it and check it for continuity with a test light or ohm meter.

 

Reinstall

[gogmorgo]

I've never worked on a nss before, what goes into cleaning one out? also, do I need to drop the pan? I was just on rock auto and they show 2, 1 for an AW4 for almost 200 and the other for a 3 speed trans for 8 bucks. does this seem correct?

The directions I followed are in the link in my post, but here it is again. Everything you should need to know is there, along with lots of pictures. It's not too bad a job, doesn't require more than basic tools in addition to brake cleaner (or some other kind of degreaser) and dielectric grease. As YXMJ says, it's on the side of the tranny, and doesn't require dropping the pan. I'd say it took me about fifteen minutes, although I had the added bonus of having my tranny out of the truck. As I said before, I also smeared rtv around the case halves when putting it back together.

 

The price is pretty typical. My local parts store quoted me $370 for a new NSS for my AW4. I really couldn't tell you why they're so expensive. There's nothing particularly complex about it, as far as I can tell.