Buick 15705308 Switch, Parking/Neutral Position & Back Up Lamp

Try to start the engine in each gear. The engine should crank only in Park or Neutral. Make sure the steering column lock allows the key to go into the Lock position only when the shift lever is in Park. The ignition key should come out only in the Lock position.

For 1995 and earlier models, ensure the engine starts only in Park or Neutral. The switch is at the steering column's bottom. Set the parking brake and selector in Neutral. Rotate the switch to Low, then to Park to set correctly. If malfunctioning, replacement might be needed. For removal, set to Neutral, disconnect electrical connectors, and spread tangs to pull out the switch. For installation, align the tang with the shift tube hole, press onto the column, and adjust. For 1996 and later, apply the brake, set to Neutral, disconnect the battery, and raise the vehicle. Remove the lever, connector, and switch retaining bolts. File burrs on the shaft if found. Install using an adjustment tool, align switch hub flats, secure with bolts, install the lever, and test the switch.

Various engine sensors and components have checking procedures,the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is a thermistor that changes resistance with temperature, and a failure in the circuit can cause trouble codes. The resistance should be measured when cold and warm while ensuring reference voltage from PCM is around 5.0 volts for the verification. Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor monitors changes in intake manifold pressure then varies its voltage output accordingly. Look at the reference voltage and signal voltage with the ignition on and engine off, and observe voltage changes as the engine's vacuum changes. Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor acts as a thermistor where you can measure its resistance at different temperatures to make sure it changes as expected. Also, use a scan tool to monitor the IAT sensor for performance. The oxygen sensor in exhaust detects oxygen content which you can check its millivolt signal while warming up your engine. Check whether the oxygen sensor heater has correct voltage or not. Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) provides speed data to PCM which can be checked for reference voltage. Depending on the type of engine, Camshaft Sensor and Crankshaft Sensor should be checked for resistance and proper signal output. Finally, Knock Sensors detect engine knock which should be checked for reference voltage and resistance. If any component fails these checks, replacement may be necessary.

It may be necessary to use pins or straightened paper clips to backprobe the sensor electrical connector wires, taking care not to short the probes.

The ignition key should be removable only in the Lock position.

Ensure that the end of the shaft is free of burrs. Use a file to deburr the shaft if necessary.

Place the shift lever in Neutral, unplug the electrical connectors, spread the tangs on the housing, and lift the switch. Align the actuator on the switch with the hole in the shift tube, position the rear part of the switch to fit into the lower jacket's cutout, push down on the front to engage the two tangs, and move the shift lever to Park to complete the adjustment. Finally, plug in the electrical connectors.

The neutral start switch prevents the engine from being cranked unless the gear selector is in Park or Neutral.

The purpose of the starter safety switch is to prevent the engine from being cranked unless certain conditions are met.

Place the shift lever in Neutral, unplug the electrical connectors, spread the tangs on the housing, and lift the switch. Align the actuator on the switch with the hole in the shift tube, position the rear part of the switch to fit into the lower jacket's cutout, push down on the front to engage the two tangs, and move the shift lever to Park to complete the adjustment. Finally, plug in the electrical connectors.

If the Park/Neutral switch doesn't operate as described for 1994 models, it should be replaced.

The ignition key should come out only in the Lock position.

If any component fails these checks, replacement may be necessary.

If the Park/Neutral switch doesn't operate as described for 1994 models, it should be replaced.