FixVault

Inhibitor Switch: Inspection

When the driving condition or starter motor operation is improper, first check the shift linkage for improper operation. If the shift linkage is functioning properly, check the inhibitor switch.

  1. Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor. <Ref. to BATTERY , NOTE, Repair Contents.>
  2. Remove the clip (A), and loosen the clamps (B) and (C).
    Fig 1: Identifying Automatic Transmission Assembly Clip And Clamps
    G10262107Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  3. Remove the air intake boot from the throttle body, and move it to the left side wheel apron.
    Fig 2: Identifying Air Intake Boot
    G10262108Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Disconnect the transmission radio ground terminal and transmission harness connector, and remove the harness clip.
    Fig 3: Locating Transmission Harness Clip
    G10274973Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Remove the transmission case cover.
    Fig 4: Locating Transmission Case Cover Bolts
    G10274974Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Move the lock lever in the arrow direction while pressing the lock button, and disconnect the connector.
    Fig 5: Pressing Lock Button
    G10274975Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  7. Attach the ST to the bulkhead harness. <Ref. to CAUTION , General Description.>

    ST 18460AA040 CHECK BOARD

  8. Check for continuity in inhibitor switch circuit by shifting the select lever in "P", "R", "N" and "D" respectively.
    NOTE:
    • Check that there is no continuity in the starter circuit when the select lever is in the "R" and "D" ranges.
    • When inhibitor switch is normal, check there is no poor contact in vehicle side connector and no open circuit in harness.
    Signal sent to TCM Range Terminal No. Standard
    P 38 - 42 Less than 1 Ω
    R 37 - 42
    N 36 - 42
    D 35 - 42
    Fig 6: Identifying Inhibitor Switch Check Board Connector
    G10274976Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
      Range Terminal No. Standard
    Starter circuit P/N 1 - 5 Less than 1 Ω
    Back-up light circuit R 2 - 3
    Fig 7: Identifying Inhibitor Switch Connector
    G10274977Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  9. Check that there is continuity at equal points when the select lever is moved 1.5° in both directions from the "N" range.

    If there is continuity in only one direction or in other points, adjust the inhibitor switch. <Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Inhibitor Switch.>

    Fig 8: Checking Inhibitor Switch Continuity
    G10274978Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  10. Repeat the above inspection in other gear ranges. If there is fault, adjust the inhibitor switch and select cable. <Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Inhibitor Switch.> <Ref. to ADJUSTMENT , Select Cable.>