Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Inhibitor Switch: Inspection
When the driving condition or starter motor operation is improper, first check the shift linkage for improper operation. If the shift linkage is functioning properly, check the inhibitor switch.
- Remove the air intake boot assembly. Refer to AIR INTAKE BOOT IN(H4SO)-8, REMOVAL, Air Intake Boot.
- Disconnect the inhibitor harness connector.
- Check for continuity in inhibitor switch circuit by shifting the select lever in "P", "R", "N" and "D" respectively.NOTE:
- Check that there is no continuity in the ignition circuit when the select lever is in the "R" and "D" ranges.
- When inhibitor switch is normal, check there is no poor contact in vehicle side connector and no open circuit in harness.
Signal sent to TCM Range Terminal No. P 4 - 3 R 4 - 2 N 4 - 1 D 4 - 8 Starter circuit P/N 12 - 11 Back-up light circuit R 10 - 9 - Check that there is continuity at equal points when the select lever is tilted 1.5Β° in both directions from the "N" range.
If there is continuity in only one direction or in other points, adjust the inhibitor switch. Refer to , ADJUSTMENTΒ , Inhibitor Switch.
- Repeat the above inspection in other gear ranges. If there is fault, adjust the inhibitor switch and select cable. Refer to , ADJUSTMENTΒ , Inhibitor Switch. Refer to SELECT CABLE CS-49, ADJUSTMENT, Select Cable.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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