2008 automatic ranger NSS bypass

[Jafar03]

I need help determining what wires to jump to bypass the nss on a 2008 automatic ranger.

 

[Dirtman]

There is no neutral safety switch on a 2008 automatic. It's all part of the digital range sensor which is wired directly to the ECU.

Perhaps if you explain the issue you are having we can help.

 

[Jafar03]

I have to repeatedly turn my ignition from of to start before the truck will fire up. Sometime it starts on first try others on 20 try. I was told the neutral/park switch (neutral safety switch) could have gone bad.

 

[Dirtman]

Well whoever told you to "bypass" the neutral safety was giving bad advice. Since first you don't have one, and second that is a ludicrous and dangerous way to solve a problem...

Most likely cause of that issue is just a bad ignition switch. Takes 10 minutes to replace.

Second likely cause is loose shift lever bracket under the column but this could be tested by turning the key to start, if it doesn't do anything jiggle the shifter. If it then starts, that's your problem.

If the digital range sensor goes bad you would have several other transmission problems and a bunch of flashing warning lights...

 

[Jafar03]

Already replaced the switch had ford dealer do it as well as tried the shift lever trick. No other lights or transmission problems

 

[fastpakr]

Dirtman - on my '99, there's an adjustment process for the range sensor on the side of the transmission (applies to both the 4R44 and the 4R70W for sure). If the adjustment is out of whack, it can definitely cause the truck not to want to start if the shift lever isn't precisely in the Park position (you have to jiggle the lever while cycling the key to work around it). Does that still apply to an '08?

 

[Jafar03]

It does, thats the sensor I was advised to bypass to determine if the issue is actually there or not

 

[fastpakr]

Don't bypass it. Check the adjustment process and see if it's just gotten out of position.

 

[Jafar03]

That's the opinion I'm getting from the ford tech I'm talking with as well. Thank you, I'll report back once I reposition.

 

[fastpakr]

 

[Dirtman]

The problem is with a range sensor out of adjustment is that it does not just effect neutral. That sensor sends the computer info on all gear positions so it will throw error codes and cause a bunch of wacky transmission problems. You cannot bypass it or the transmission won't work at all. It's not an old fashion neutral safety switch, it's a sophisticated little bastard that does way more things than just neutral safety.

I'm not saying it's not out of adjustment, or all together broken. I'm just saying there are typically alot more problems that happen when a range sensor is out of wack...

There is also a procedure to adjust the shift cable itself that should be done after verifying the range sensor is properly adjusted.

You can also use a good scanner (Forscan) to check the range sensors voltages and ohms in each gear to verify it is within spec.

 

[RonD]

Just try starting in Neutral
Key on, foot on the brake, shift to Neutral, try to start

Assuming that since Ford looked at it there is no Flashing THEFT Light with key on?
So not a PATS issue

The DTR(range sensor) does have a physical switch inside that passes 12volts from Ignition switch, thru fuse 21 to Starter Relay in engine fuse box
So that switch could go bad

Computer does control Ground on starter relay, which is PATS issue
Manual trans NSS no longer passes voltage as Dirtman said, it just a sensor, clutch pedal down

2009 is same as 2008 wiring

 

[fastpakr]

The problem is with a range sensor out of adjustment is that it does not just effect neutral. That sensor sends the computer info on all gear positions so it will throw error codes and cause a bunch of wacky transmission problems.

I brought it up because that was the behavior I've experienced in the past - flaky start in park that could be worked around by holding the lever slightly out of position (and sometimes starting in neutral helped). No codes or apparent drivability issues.