Mazda Protege5 Neutral Safety Switch Replacement at your home or office.

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Neutral Safety Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Neutral Safety Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mazda Protege5 Neutral Safety Switch Replacement is $160 with $65 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2003 Mazda Protege5L4-2.0LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$245.63Shop/Dealer Price$288.29 - $393.77
2002 Mazda Protege5L4-2.0LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$225.63Shop/Dealer Price$268.31 - $373.80
Show example Mazda Protege5 Neutral Safety Switch Replacement prices

What is the Neutral Safety Switch all about?

The neutral safety switch keeps the vehicle from starting when in any gear position other than Park or Neutral. In some vehicles, the switch also monitors gear selection and reverse light feedback data for the vehicle’s computer. Most often mounted to the left-hand side of the transmission, the switch is equipped in vehicles with a transaxle or automatic transmission. Some vehicle neutral safety switches are attached to the shifter mechanism.

Keep in mind:

  • Connected to the starter solenoid, the neutral safety switch completes the starter circuit, allowing the power from the battery to reach the starter only while the gearshift remains in Park or Neutral.
  • The mechanic will check the other systems in your vehicle’s ignition system, such as the starter, battery, and alternator, to make sure those parts are not causing the problem.
  • As a vehicle ages, the neutral safety switch deteriorates.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle is raised and supported on jack stands. The transmission shift lever and cable are removed. The electrical connector is removed from the switch.

  • The neutral safety switch is removed from the transmission. The transmission shaft seal is checked for leaks and replaced as needed.

  • The new neutral safety switch is installed on to the selector shaft and secured while aligning for proper installation alignment.

  • The shift lever and shift cable are reinstalled. The vehicle is checked for proper neutral safety switch operation before the vehicle is lowered off the jack stands.

  • The vehicle is scanned for codes and proper switch indication of gear ranges and road tested for proper operation.

Our recommendation:

Replace a faulty neutral safety switch as soon as possible; otherwise, the vehicle will stop working or suffer engine damage. When the switch does not work properly, the vehicle might jump into gear upon startup. This not only causes damage to the engine itself, but poses a great physical threat to surrounding objects and people. Our expert mechanics will diagnose the neutral safety switch to see if it needs adjustment.

Transmissions that exhibit excessive vibrations cause the switch to go out of alignment over time, which makes vehicle ignition more difficult. When inspecting the neutral safety switch, our expert mechanics check for dirt and grease build-up, moisture, and corrosion. They will also use a test light to confirm a connection through the switch to the starter solenoid.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Neutral Safety Switch?

  • Engine turns over in any gear, indicating that the neutral safety switch does not work properly and needs replacement
  • Vehicle doesn’t turn over when in Park or Neutral
  • Check Engine Light turns on after ignition

How important is this service?

Replace a faulty neutral safety switch promptly, as driving without a functional switch presents a danger to other drivers, passengers, and those around the vehicle. A faulty neutral safety switch damages the engine, as the vehicle jerks into gear upon startup. The reverse lights could stop working on some vehicles, which creates a safety hazard especially during inclement weather or nighttime.

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Real customer reviews from Mazda owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(71)

Rating Summary
67
3
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1
67
3
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Bill

32 years of experience
52 reviews
Bill
32 years of experience
Mazda Protege5 L4-2.0L - Timing Belt Replacement - Morrison, Colorado
Amazing mechanic. Passionate about his work and genuinely cares about the vehicle he is working on. Highly recommend.

Paul

25 years of experience
261 reviews
Paul
25 years of experience
Mazda Protege5 L4-2.0L - Car is overheating - Las Vegas, Nevada
He was really great and understanding and really went over the repairs with me

Ira

36 years of experience
259 reviews
Ira
36 years of experience
Mazda Protege5 L4-2.0L - Valve Cover Gasket - Tampa, Florida
Came early. Very friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend

Jonas

26 years of experience
32 reviews
Jonas
26 years of experience
Mazda Protege5 L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Belmont, California
Jonass was super nice and also very experienced. I would recommend Jonass and YourMechanic to my friends and work colleagues. Thank you Jonass!

Excellent Rating

(71)

Rating Summary
67
3
0
0
1
67
3
0
0
1
Number of Mazda Protege5 services completed
781+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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