BMW 540i Neutral Safety Switch Replacement at your home or office.

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Neutral Safety Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Neutral Safety Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 540i Neutral Safety Switch Replacement is $169 with $74 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1998 BMW 540iV8-4.4LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$1164.51Shop/Dealer Price$1444.39 - $2244.66
1994 BMW 540iV8-4.0LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$243.45Shop/Dealer Price$298.10 - $422.59
1999 BMW 540iV8-4.4LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$1144.51Shop/Dealer Price$1424.42 - $2224.71
1995 BMW 540iV8-4.0LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$243.45Shop/Dealer Price$298.06 - $422.52
2000 BMW 540iV8-4.4LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$769.95Shop/Dealer Price$956.25 - $1475.64
2001 BMW 540iV8-4.4LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$1144.51Shop/Dealer Price$1424.42 - $2224.71
2003 BMW 540iV8-4.4LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$1149.51Shop/Dealer Price$1429.18 - $2229.29
1997 BMW 540iV8-4.4LService typeNeutral Safety Switch ReplacementEstimate$1149.51Shop/Dealer Price$1429.84 - $2230.43
Show example BMW 540i Neutral Safety Switch Replacement prices

What is the Neutral Safety Switch all about?

The neutral safety switch keeps the vehicle from starting when in any gear position other than Park or Neutral. In some vehicles, the switch also monitors gear selection and reverse light feedback data for the vehicle’s computer. Most often mounted to the left-hand side of the transmission, the switch is equipped in vehicles with a transaxle or automatic transmission. Some vehicle neutral safety switches are attached to the shifter mechanism.

Keep in mind:

  • Connected to the starter solenoid, the neutral safety switch completes the starter circuit, allowing the power from the battery to reach the starter only while the gearshift remains in Park or Neutral.
  • The mechanic will check the other systems in your vehicle’s ignition system, such as the starter, battery, and alternator, to make sure those parts are not causing the problem.
  • As a vehicle ages, the neutral safety switch deteriorates.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle is raised and supported on jack stands. The transmission shift lever and cable are removed. The electrical connector is removed from the switch.

  • The neutral safety switch is removed from the transmission. The transmission shaft seal is checked for leaks and replaced as needed.

  • The new neutral safety switch is installed on to the selector shaft and secured while aligning for proper installation alignment.

  • The shift lever and shift cable are reinstalled. The vehicle is checked for proper neutral safety switch operation before the vehicle is lowered off the jack stands.

  • The vehicle is scanned for codes and proper switch indication of gear ranges and road tested for proper operation.

Our recommendation:

Replace a faulty neutral safety switch as soon as possible; otherwise, the vehicle will stop working or suffer engine damage. When the switch does not work properly, the vehicle might jump into gear upon startup. This not only causes damage to the engine itself, but poses a great physical threat to surrounding objects and people. Our expert mechanics will diagnose the neutral safety switch to see if it needs adjustment.

Transmissions that exhibit excessive vibrations cause the switch to go out of alignment over time, which makes vehicle ignition more difficult. When inspecting the neutral safety switch, our expert mechanics check for dirt and grease build-up, moisture, and corrosion. They will also use a test light to confirm a connection through the switch to the starter solenoid.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Neutral Safety Switch?

  • Engine turns over in any gear, indicating that the neutral safety switch does not work properly and needs replacement
  • Vehicle doesn’t turn over when in Park or Neutral
  • Check Engine Light turns on after ignition

How important is this service?

Replace a faulty neutral safety switch promptly, as driving without a functional switch presents a danger to other drivers, passengers, and those around the vehicle. A faulty neutral safety switch damages the engine, as the vehicle jerks into gear upon startup. The reverse lights could stop working on some vehicles, which creates a safety hazard especially during inclement weather or nighttime.

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Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(60)

Rating Summary
56
3
0
0
1
56
3
0
0
1

Robert

31 years of experience
641 reviews
Robert
31 years of experience
BMW 540i V8-4.4L - AC is not working - Saratoga, California
The job was cancelled owing to owner's time constraints. I will call again when possible.

Trung

12 years of experience
412 reviews
Trung
12 years of experience
BMW 540i V8-4.4L - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Real nice guy!

Roger

15 years of experience
55 reviews
Roger
15 years of experience
BMW 540i V8-4.4L - Car is not starting - Austin, Texas

Whitney

39 years of experience
783 reviews
Whitney
39 years of experience
BMW 540i V8-4.4L - Ignition Switch - Mountain View, California
Whitney did an incredible job repairing my BMW, and I will happily recommend his service to my friends and other YourMechanic customers. When I called YourMechanic, I had no idea what was wrong with my car except that it wouldn't start. Whitney arrived within half an hour, and immediately began troubleshooting the problem. I was amazed at his fluency with all the internals, his workmanship, and his methodical approach as he ruled out the possibilities. And I loved that he explained exactly what he was doing at each step. This demystified a lot about my car, and I now feel much more qualified to do basic care/maintenance. Whitney eventually discovered that a blown fuse caused by a busted ignition was keeping electricity from reaching the fuel pump. He put in a new fuse as a temporary fix, showed me how to start the car without blowing it again, and installed the replacement ignition when it arrived a few days later. I can't overstate how happy I am with the service provided by Whitney and YourMechanic. The convenience alone is great, but Whitney's knowledge, workmanship, and positive, friendly attitude are what make me confident I will call again :) Thanks!

Excellent Rating

(60)

Rating Summary
56
3
0
0
1
56
3
0
0
1
Number of BMW 540i services completed
660+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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