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.
- Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
- Remove the clip from the air intake boot, and loosen the clamp.
- Remove the air intake boot, and place it aside so that it does not interfere with the work.NOTE:
Be careful not to pull out the PCV hose.
- Remove the transmission radio ground terminal.
- Disconnect the transmission harness connector.
- Remove the transmission case cover (small).
- Move the lock lever in the arrow direction while pressing the lock button, and disconnect the connector.
- Set the ST between the TCM and transmission harness. Ref. to TRANSMISSION (DIAGNOSTICS) (IMPREZA MODEL)>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>CAUTION
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Preparation tool: ST: CHECK BOARD (18460AA040)
- 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 starter 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.
Range Terminal No. Standard Signal sent to TCM P 38 - 42 Less than 1 Ω R 37 - 42 N 36 - 42 D 35 - 42 Range Terminal No. Standard Starter signal P/N 1 - 5 Less than 1 Ω Back-up light circuit R 22 - 26 - Check that there is continuity at equal points when the select lever is moved 1.5° in both directions from the "N" range.
If there is continuity in only one direction or in other points, adjust the inhibitor switch. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580 IMPREZA)>INHIBITOR SWITCH>ADJUSTMENT .
- Repeat the above inspection in other gear ranges. If there is fault, adjust the inhibitor switch and select cable. Ref. to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR580 IMPREZA)>INHIBITOR SWITCH>ADJUSTMENT . Ref. to CONTROL SYSTEMS>SELECT CABLE>ADJUSTMENT .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.