[threshold]

Hi guys,

Drove my car up to work (adelaide to roxby) and now it will not start. Every now and again it would play up and I would have to go back and foward between park and neutral a couple of times and eventually it would start. This time it will not start at all.

My reverse lights do not work either and the globes are sweet so I am assuming
that there is a build up of gunk or something somewhere down there.

Is there a sensor/electrical plug that I can clean underneath the plastic base around the bottom of the shifter to get my motor started and my reverse lights working again?

What should I clean it with?


Thanks in advance guys.

Lamens terms would be appreciated, I am far from an auto electrician/mechanic.

[jono165]

its the neutral safety switch (NSS), very similar to a jeep xj one.
http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm

[Gwagensteve]

Nice link Jon. I think this is a common problem with Vitara aw-4's due to distributor housing leaks covering them in oil.

[threshold]

Thanks Jon. Hopefully I get a couple of hours to sort it out soon. Damn 12 hour shifts.

[jono165]

no worries, it is a common thing for the reverse lights to not work, sometimes it takes a little jiggle of the shifter to get them to work.

[threshold]

https://youtu.be/70m0Pu6ZJ_0

These transmissions are the same yeah??

[jono165]

not 100% the same but very very similar

[threshold]

Think its off to the mechanic. I had a go of fixing it myself, but with the limited tools I have and the transmission cooler lines in the way of the main nut. It was all a bit difficult on the driveway. Couldnt get the bolt moving. Mind you it was pourinf down with rain, so I may have another crack tonight if the weather is nicer.

[threshold]

Thanks for everyones input on this. Cost $80 for mechanic to fix. Limited tools up here mean it was buying axle stands and tools which i have at home or taking to mechanic. Reverse lights work. I am stoked.