So I have a 99 mustang v6 with an AUTOMATIC transmission. The battery turns on, but the car won’t even attempt to crank, after testing battery, checking all relays/fuses, and replacing starter/solenoid. I’ve reduced the problem to the neutral safety switch. I can’t find any where on the internet on how to bypass, or replace this part. It just keeps showing me stuff for manual transmissions. Preferably I’d like to by pass it, so I don’t have to deal with this in the future/don’t have to go buy $70 part.. but either way, if someone can explain or send me links to help with this that’d be great, thanks!

 

Most newer electronically-controlled automatics have a SWITCH, often called a "Transmission Range Switch", TRS, or similar name. It is usually mounted on the side of the transmission case, where the shift shaft used to be located. T he TRS is moved by the selector lever on the steering column, or the console-located lever on floor shifts.

TRS incorporates contacts which open the starter circuit except when switch is located in PARK or NEUTRAL position. It's other functions are to turn on and off the various shift solenoids which place the transmission in it's manually-shifted gears: R, D, 3, 2, & 1 in some cases. TRS is fastened usually with 2 bolts which can loosen, allowing the switch to lose it's alignment, or the switch contacts can fail.

Aside from the TRS, a fault in the wiring harness may also be a culprit.