Neutral indicator not engaging

[afpj]

Got a weird problem, hopefully someone has an idea: gear selector indicator won't stay lit in neutral. If I try to shift to neutral, the N will light just for a split second then it looks like the indicator zips over to P then disappears. The tranny is in neutral, but without the indicator saying so I can't engage 4 lo. Anyone know where the switch selector is? It doesn't look like it's in the steering column but not sure. Thanks for any help

 

[afpj]

I must have the weirdest s**t going on with this tranny. Because the gear indicator isn't right, the door locks go haywire. The only wires I see in the steering column look like for the ignition switch. Anyone know where the electrical connections are for the gear shift lever/sensor? Maybe like a throttle position sensor but to tell what position the gear selector is in?

 

[afpj]

Well, not that anyone is paying attention, but solved the problem. Contact cleaner to the connector on the PNP switch attached to the side of the transmission pan (where the cable attaches to a rotary ratchet thing that goes into a black box...I'm calling that the PNP). two connectors on it...took em both off and cleaned them out. Took apart the steering column covers for nothing, now they don't fit right. Se la Vi.

 

[georgiacop2006]

To AFPJ

I am having the same problem with my Z71. Did the way you did it fix the problem completely? Please let me know I need to fix this on my truck. Thanks

 

[chauncey0337]

Well, not that anyone is paying attention, but solved the problem. Contact cleaner to the connector on the PNP switch attached to the side of the transmission pan (where the cable attaches to a rotary ratchet thing that goes into a black box...I'm calling that the PNP). two connectors on it...took em both off and cleaned them out. Took apart the steering column covers for nothing, now they don't fit right. Se la Vi.

I was paying attention but didn't say anything because I couldn't suggest how to fix your problem but you got it fixed on your own, so way to go! And thanks for posting the fix, it might help someone else who encounters the same problem.

 

[afpj]

To AFPJ

I am having the same problem with my Z71. Did the way you did it fix the problem completely? Please let me know I need to fix this on my truck. Thanks

Yes, so far (knock on wood, rub rabbits foot, throw salt over shoulder) Now, it may be complete coincidence that it started working again, as it took almost a day after pulling the connectors (there's 2 of them). Sprayed the stuff, then reconnected letting it sit overnight, then drove it for about 5 minutes then found all is well. The top connector is a PIA to get to...I don't know which connector was ultimately the culprit. If you try it please post back results to help confirm (or deny) that this actually did something.

Chauncey 0337, thanks for the kind words. Now I wish I could figure out how to get the plastic steering column pieces to fit nice. I just pried the two halves apart, but I suspect there's suppose to be a screw holding them together I stripped. Doh!

 

[afpj]

Just FYI...moisture came back and so did the problem (about 3 weeks ago) so unplugged only the lower (easier) plug mentioned previously, used contact cleaner, and used dielectric grease to fill all the gaps in the connector. Since then, we've had a few waves of moisture and the problem has not come back. I am more convinced now it is the lower connector on the side of the tranny pan that affects the gear indicator. Hope this info helps someone else...dieletric grease helps keep out moisture but you have to remove the moisture first so none is trapped by the grease.

 

[afpj]

Update FYI: this problem now happening even when no rain, after a long trip. It's looking like PCM now (in engine bay drivers side just to inside of battery). Unplugged battery for 30 minutes to reset PCM. I also think the connectors have an issue so took the cover off and used compressed air to blow ALOT of dust and push in on the connector to make sure it seats well. The indicator is back to normal now. If anyone else has any ideas or experiences please share. Thanks.