NSS woes

[Denisefwd93]

So.. still doing my "homework" on this auto to manual swap we are planning in the spring. Everything keeps coming back to the newer (1998) M50D not having the NSS; neutral switch (or whatever you want to call it)

My truck is a 1993 with A4LD and 4WD (electric Tcase)

I will be getting the PCM for a 4.0 manual shift truck.

I know the T-case needs neutral for 4W low. I know I need the NSS to pass PA inspections also. Starting in gear can be good at times but it's mostly a bad idea most of the time.

Of course I'm bit miffed since this little switch is so important to make things work like someone "knew" what they were doing.

is finding an older M5OD what I need to do?

This tech page... http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/January2011/M5OD-R1HD_swap.htm but he had the manual in his truck and just left the NSS unplugged since he didn't have one on the newer trans.

CAN.. the older top trans cover with both switches fit on the newer trans?

thanks for help in advance!

 

[RonD]

Manual trans vehicles use Clutch Safety switch instead of NSS, in automatic wiring they installed a Clutch switch bypass which you can remove when installing the clutch switch on the clutch pedal push rod, bypass will be up near clutch/brake pedal assembly.
remove bypass the now exposed connector plugs into Clutch switch

It should just be plug and play.
For a manual the 4Low just needs Clutch switch activated, brake light on, and 0 MPH

Clutch switch is also used for starter motor activation, "S" wire on starter relay passes thru clutch switch from ignition switch, so if clutch pedal is not in(switch closed) starter motor can't be activated by the key.

You will have to hook up Reverse Lights, and they were part of NSS wiring, so you will need a manual transmission reverse switch, if it isn't already in the trans, it's 2 wire connector, and the 2 wires from NSS switch for the reverse lights.
With key on, only 1 wire on the NSS connector will have 12volts all the time, that's the power for reverse lights, usually Pink/Orange stripe.
Then 1 wire will go to reverse light bulbs, usually Black/Pink stripe.
These two need to be hooked up to manual trans switch, there is no "order", switch is just opened or closed to pass the power to the bulbs

 

[Denisefwd93]

Manual trans vehicles use Clutch Safety switch instead of NSS, in automatic wiring they installed a Clutch switch bypass which you can remove when installing the clutch switch on the clutch pedal push rod, bypass will be up near clutch/brake pedal assembly.
remove bypass the now exposed connector plugs into Clutch switch

It should just be plug and play.
For a manual the 4Low just needs Clutch switch activated, brake light on, and 0 MPH

Clutch switch is also used for starter motor activation, "S" wire on starter relay passes thru clutch switch from ignition switch, so if clutch pedal is not in(switch closed) starter motor can't be activated by the key.

You will have to hook up Reverse Lights, and they were part of NSS wiring, so you will need a manual transmission reverse switch, if it isn't already in the trans, it's 2 wire connector, and the 2 wires from NSS switch for the reverse lights.
With key on, only 1 wire on the NSS connector will have 12volts all the time, that's the power for reverse lights, usually Pink/Orange stripe.
Then 1 wire will go to reverse light bulbs, usually Black/Pink stripe.
These two need to be hooked up to manual trans switch, there is no "order", switch is just opened or closed to pass the power to the bulbs

Ron! I actually understand ! All my "thinking" never considered the clutch switch! Makes tons of sense too! thanks!

seems like one of those parts that is designed to fail often.

 

[RonD]

Actually they tend to last a long time, 20+ years of clutch pedal movement.

Wiring hook up/function seen here: http://www.justanswer.com/ford/4ik1j-ford-ranger-1997-ranger-extended-cab-2-3-manual.html#re.v/458/

Main wiring harness is the same for manual or automatic, manual gets the clutch switch, automatic gets a bypass at the clutch switch connector that goes to NSS via added harness

 

[Denisefwd93]

Thanks Ron.. you are a ver good presence on this site!