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deprivation Samba Member
Joined: September 14, 2006 Posts: 1220 Location: Austin, Texas
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 12:21 pm Post subject: Automatic backup light / safety switch - a tutorial w/pics!! |
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When I first adjusted my automatic back-up light /neutral safety switch a year ago, I couldn't find a picture of the area anywhere - even the Bentley. It sure would have helped to have some kind of guide.
I'm in the middle of some soundproofing so I decided it was time to replace the switch and take a few pictures for future Sambanistas. I've gotten some amazing help here lately and I would like to add as much back as I can.
This is where the switch is located. You'll have to remove the 4 screws that hold the automatic shift housing. The carpet can be stubborn. You'll have to be mindful of the little lightbulbs that are inside the housing. You can do this without taking the shift housing entirely off but if you do want to take the housing off, you will also have to remove the shift knob. It is held on by a small allen-bolt inside on the right side of the knob.
Make sure you disconnect the battery before you do any electrical work.
The switch is held in by two screws. The switch has slotted mounts so that it can be adjusted to make a good connection to the contact surface which is attached to the shifter.
I used a VOM to check my switch adjustment. You'll need to check the leads closest to the firewall for "PARK" and "NEUTRAL". The leads with the small wires you will check in "REVERSE" only. By the way, I didn't zero out my meter, which is why it shows some resistance.
Also, it wouldn't hurt to get some super-fine 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper and clean the contact point. If it is really worn you will have to replace that as well. While you're in there, take this time to clean up the linkages to your shifter and put a little grease back on. I have some lithium grease that seems to work well on surfaces like this. _________________ 1986 Westy 2WD auto a.k.a. "The Old Girl"
www.kittenfart.com
Last edited by deprivation on Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:59 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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randywebb Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3815 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:09 pm Post subject: |
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thx much - I am saving that _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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powderedwaters Samba Member
Joined: November 11, 2009 Posts: 117 Location: Victoria, BC
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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Nice one! _________________ 89 VanagonGL Hannover Edition 2.1 AT |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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great job! bookmarked for my next project _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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deprivation Samba Member
Joined: September 14, 2006 Posts: 1220 Location: Austin, Texas
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 3:59 pm Post subject: |
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Someone just PM'd me that this switch is really the neutral safety switch, which is actually a more accurate description of the switch. Though it does control the backup lights, it's main job is to prevent you from engaging the starter when it is in gear. _________________ 1986 Westy 2WD auto a.k.a. "The Old Girl"
www.kittenfart.com |
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syncrodoka Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005 Posts: 12007 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
neutral safety switch |
Yup |
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PDXWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6247 Location: Portland OR
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tclark Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2005 Posts: 926
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mordeaux Samba Member
Joined: June 25, 2006 Posts: 249 Location: Mobtown
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Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 8:34 pm Post subject: |
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Related query: is there any adjustment of the detent for the automatic lever?
There is enough free play in mine that sometimes when bumping over, uh, bumps, I hear a relay clicking on and off. I also have a kooky scenario wherein when I put the trans in reverse, the pax side turn signal light comes on steady and when I put the right turn signal on, the reverse lights flash. Ha ha! Wacky... |
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johnnyfive82 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2007 Posts: 9 Location: wahiawa,HI
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Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 11:15 pm Post subject: |
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how do you take off the contact point. |
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r.e.wing_fc3s Samba Member
Joined: April 16, 2010 Posts: 591 Location: Vanagon Capitol USA: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 8:40 am Post subject: |
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ive read this switch also effects the idle valve. anyone know what it does and why? |
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randr Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Maui, Hawaii
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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THANK YOU!!!!! SICK OF THE BUS SITTING AND ME NOT DRIVING IT HOPE TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD SOON. |
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66 dormi Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2006 Posts: 607 Location: Ontario Canada
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Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you! an other thing that just broke on my doka!but if I wiggle the selector the BU lights come on sorta so just a minor adjustment perfect _________________ DORMOBILE TOP WANTED!!!!
1978 westy daily driver
1960 panel camper project
Mini R53 bob the tomato |
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randr Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Maui, Hawaii
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:20 am Post subject: |
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Well not enough cleaning yet because it still won't start but will do it in the daylight the right way, just a little manic at this point.
It's the small stuff sweating me. Since the battery is cherry and it is getting fuel and the starter seems fine. |
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randr Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Maui, Hawaii
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:59 am Post subject: |
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OK not the ignition switch will check the neutral switch and/or starter in the AM.
Aloha & Good night |
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nod7 Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2010 Posts: 160 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, great post. I just recenlty put this issue on my to-do list because my backup lights don't come on unless you get the shifter perfectly into position. Now I have some detailed instructions on the isse.
Thanks,
-nod7 |
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Beygon Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 100 Location: Dana Point Ca..
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:14 pm Post subject: |
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Did this a couple weeks ago, bought both parts from VanCafe, no cookies?, it took about half an hour to do it, didn't take the cover completely off, just raised it, pried out the small piece, screwed the white piece in and plugged in the connectors. I did it just because the back up lights weren't working and both parts I took out had a lot of wear on them. Everything worked the first time, somethng new for me. |
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freakmonk Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2010 Posts: 6 Location: Gainesville, Fl
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Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 12:43 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Deprivation for the info. I've been having a problem starting my 90 auto gl. I noticed when I wiggle the shifter or move it forcefully into park it would start. I just removed the housing and disconnected/reconnected the wires on the neutral switch (battery disconnected of course) and she started up the first turn of the key. I guess the friction cleaned the contact points. Thanks. |
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davideric9 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2009 Posts: 1002 Location: Oakland CA
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 10:40 am Post subject: Neutral Safety Switch Lubrication - Grease |
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LUBRICATION:
I'm installing a new neutral safety switch and selector contact, confused about the lubrication, the grease. Seems like the old ones have a layer of grease on them. Di-electric grease is non-conductive so wouldn't this act as an insulator and cause a bad electrical connection? Should these parts be installed dry? What about lithium grease? _________________ 1987 Syncro Westfalia, stock (bought 1994)
1986 Syncro Westfalia SVX, 3 knob (bought 2008)
1987 Westfalia (bought 2010)
1988 Wolfsburg GL (bought 2012) |
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randywebb Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3815 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 6:35 pm Post subject: |
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Di-electric grease should get wiped form the contact area -- that is how it works, tho I have heard not to use it on moving parts...
does the Bentley say to use it on this sliding contact?
you might try wiping it to ensure there is no more than a thin layer, then test continuity
do not use lithium grease _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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