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18 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. Vista, CA
neutral safety switch interface
Some vehicles do not have an electrical neutral safety switch. Instead, a mechanical neutral safety switch that
physically interrupts the starter wire is used when the vehicle is in any drive gear. If the remote start is inter-
faced before this switch, it will provide protection from starting in gear. However, some vehicles combine the
column shift mechanism and the mechanical neutral safety switch into one mechanical part. In these vehicles,
it is impossible to interface the remote start system before the neutral safety switch. With this type of vehicle,
if the car is left in a drive gear and the remote start system is activated, the vehicle will move and may cause
damage to persons or property.
According to available information, the only vehicles currently manufactured this way are most General Motors
trucks, sport utility vehicles and column shifting passenger cars. Available information also indicates that pre-
1996 Dodge Dakota pickups with 2.5 liter motors are manufactured this way as well.
GM vehicles that have the neutral safety switch built into the column shifter can usually be identified by a purple
starter wire. Typically, vehicles that use an outboard mechanical switch use a yellow wire from the ignition switch
to the mechanical switch and a purple wire from the mechanical switch to the starter itself. Remember, this is
only a rule of thumb and is not intended as a substitute for proper testing.
We suggest the following procedure to test for vehicles manufactured in this way.
NOTE: You must complete the remote start system installation before doing the following test.
Ensure that the remote start system is functioning normally. This includes connecting to the brake
as a shut-down.
1. Make sure there is adequate clearance to the front and rear of the vehicle because it may move slightly.
2. Make sure the hood is closed and there are no remote start shut-downs active.
3. Set the emergency brake.
4. Turn the key to the "run" position, this will release the shifter.
5. Place the car in drive (D).
6. Place your foot directly over the brake pedal, but do not depress it. Be ready to step on the brake if the
starter engages.
7. Activate the remote start system.
8. If the starter engages, immediately depress the brake to shut the remote start system down. If the starter
does not engage, no additional safety system is required.
testing the neutral safety switch