Joaks Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 Hey guys, My car will occasionally not start right away (lights work, no click, no turn over and I can hear a slight whine noise). Usually I can fix this by jiggling the gear selector. I am assuming the switch to identify myself as being in park is bad or dirty- does this sound correct? If so, does anyone know the correct name for this item? I've been looking on subarupartsforyou for it but get either the neutral switch for the manual or a bunch of other items. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doublechaz Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Sounds like a decent bet. I'm not sure what they call it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtdash Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 This could be the 'shift interlock switch' - assuming you're dealing w/an AUTOMATIC trans. but search online for other causes. Have you tried the 'shift override' button to see if that allows it to start? See the owner's manual/search if not familiar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setnev Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 The problem could be the safety inhibitor switch. It's not detecting the vehicle is in park or neutral. The inhibitor switch is on the side of the transmission where the shift linkage connects to the transmission. You can bypass it temporarily to test but you won't want to permanently bypass it as you'll lose other system functions (i.e Cruise control). This is a fairly common issue on the AT, especially in the 1st gens and older second gens. It is also a common reason people lose cruise control. Here is what it looks like: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/attachments/problems-maintenance/19552d1303296496-neutral-safety-switch-automatic-trans-inhibitor-switch.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doublechaz Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 If jiggling things makes it work I would go with that switch needing adjusting/replacing. I bet you could do without that ST 499267300 by using the chuck end of a correct size drill bit to pin it. Of course, it could be a corroded connector as well, but probably not with the jiggle fixing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twisty Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 with as much crap that ends up in that console by the shifter, take it all apart and clean it up. that may fix it without replacing any parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylormac1993 Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 If you need a new switch, a lot of parts stores call it the neutral saftey switch even though its auto. Just a heads up as I know how dumb parts counter guys are (because I am one). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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