Toyota 84540-20200 Switch Assy, Neutral Start

The Park/Neutral position switch which does not allow the engine to crank in any gear other than Park or Neutral; and if it starts in any other position, the switch needs to be adjusted. This switch also functions as an information sensor for the (ECT Electronic Controlled Transaxle) Electronic Control Unit as it gives electrical input in the form of a voltage signal when the shift lever is in place. To test the switch, lift the front of the vehicle and support it with jackstands disconnected the electrical connector and with an ohmmeter test for continuity between the referenced terminals for each switch position. If the continuity is not as what is specified, then it is advisable to replace the switch. For replacement, raise the front of the, vehicle again, disconnect the electrical connector, remove the manual lever retaining nut, take off the manual lever, remove the switch retaining bolts to delete the switch. It is done in the reverse order that was applied during removal so that the switch is set as desired. For adjustment, the switch retaining bolts need to be loosened, the switch rotated until the groove and neutral basic line is in position then tightening the bolts to hold the switch in position.

This mechanism is called the Park/Neutral position switch, and this switch will not allow the engine to start in any other gear rather than Park and Neutral, and in case the engine starts in other gears, there needs adjustment in that switch. This same switch also gets used as the shift lock solenoid and acts as a sensor for ECT information for the ECM and sends a voltage signal when the shift lever is in the proper position. For verification of the switch, make it stand the front part of the vehicle on jackstands, disconnect the electrical connector and use an ohmmeter to measure the conductivity between the terminals indicted for each position of the switch; if the conductivity is not in the range as specified then replace the switch. For replacement, again raise the front of the vehicle, pull the electrical connector, removing the nut of the manual-lever, take out the manual lever, remove bolts and finally the switch. After that, the installation happens in the reverse order to check that the switch is well set. For adjustment, use a spanner to unscrew switch retaining bolts then turn the switch until the groove faces the neutral basic line then hold it to be tight by screwing the retaining bolts.

The transmission position switch incorporates the Park/Neutral function, the backup light switch, and transmission gear position information, which it sends to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).