Jeep neutral safety switches
This article is intended to discuss the differences and some common issues associated with jeep neutral safety or gear selector switches. First, there are two types of switches:
• The first style is mounted to the driver's side of most Jeep automatic transmissions.
• The second style is used on Jeep Cherokee ( xj ) models and some 93 grand Cherokee's (zj ) equipped with an aw4 transmission.
These switches control the operation of reverse lamp operation and allow the starter to operate when the transmission is placed in neutral or park.
Both styles of switches are prone to failure. The most common switch is a three terminal connection; it has a 1” standard size hex drive body and is always mounted to the driver's side of the transmission. The most common reason for replacement of these units is due to a leak of transmission fluid through the electrical body. Fortunately these units are easy to replace and are inexpensive. This switch fits almost all automatic transmissions in grand Cherokee's, wranglers, cj's, and some xj's and can be found in our replacement catalog (click here).
The other style switch is also prone to failure. However this unit is more complex. It performs the same functions as the previous switch; however, it also provides information to the transmission controller pertaining to gear selection. The unit is commonly replaced because of corrosion build up on the copper contacts inside the unit. The bad part about replacing this switch is that they are expensive. Your local jeep dealership will ask nearly $300.00 for a new one. Fortunately we have found a great source for significantly less (click here).
There are two versions of the switch that you should be aware of before ordering. The difference is the plug at the end of the wiring harness. Both parts look identical except for this. The part #83503712, which fits 87-96 jeeps, has a rectangular shaped black plug. The part # 4882173 which fits 1997-2001 has a more square shaped plug and is gray in color. Please look at the plug on your jeep before ordering to verify which one you have especially if your Cherokee is a 96 or 97.
