Ford Escape Neutral Safety Switch Replacement Costs

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Neutral Safety Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Neutral Safety Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Escape Neutral Safety Switch Replacement is $189 with $94 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2015 Ford EscapeL4-1.6L Turbo	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$510.84	Shop/Dealer Price$595.43 - $797.45
2006 Ford EscapeL4-2.3L Hybrid	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$394.51	Shop/Dealer Price$479.41 - $711.56
2016 Ford EscapeL4-1.6L Turbo	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$518.00	Shop/Dealer Price$615.92 - $857.84
2017 Ford EscapeL4-2.5L	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$490.08	Shop/Dealer Price$580.97 - $801.91
2008 Ford EscapeL4-2.3L Hybrid	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$394.51	Shop/Dealer Price$479.42 - $711.59
2005 Ford EscapeL4-2.3L	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$283.75	Shop/Dealer Price$340.96 - $490.04
2012 Ford EscapeL4-2.5L Hybrid	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$346.35	Shop/Dealer Price$417.82 - $610.00
2018 Ford EscapeL4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeNeutral Safety Switch Replacement	Estimate$498.70	Shop/Dealer Price$589.46 - $808.69

Show example Ford Escape 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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Charles

26 years of experience

134 reviews

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Charles

26 years of experience

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by Laurel

Ford Escape L4-2.5L - Car is not starting - Seattle, Washington

Charles was great. He was friendly and got my car backup and running quickly.

William

33 years of experience

69 reviews

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William

33 years of experience

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by Lydia

Ford Escape L4-2.0L Turbo - Shift Selector Cable - Moreno Valley, California

When I called YourMechanic, I told the person who answered the phone what the problem was - the linkage -, since it was part of the cable, a new one was ordered. I was given an estimate of over $500 because of the amount of time it would take to get to it. William first started by taking off the parts that were blocking the cable and saw that it had become unattached. This prevented and saved him a lot of time from taking the inside panels apart. Because of this, he said it would cut the labor in half, which saved me over $300 in labor that I really appreciated. That is honesty and integrity that you do not find from many mechanics, at least the ones I had dealt with in the past. I would definitely recommend William again. It was frustrating trying to set up a time in the very beginning because of my schedule, but it was all worth the wait.

Jason

32 years of experience

507 reviews

Jason

32 years of experience

by Rogelio

Ford Escape V6-3.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Tucson, Arizona

He did the job quickly and explained thoroughly the condition of the replaced parts - Please bear in mind that I still haven't tried the vehicle after the repair.

Peter

43 years of experience

1321 reviews

Peter

43 years of experience

by Eric

Ford Escape V6-3.0L - Window Motor / Regulator Assembly Replacement (Passenger Side Rear) - Chandler, Arizona

Peter is always on time and very professional. Always takes the time to talk about everything and explain the why and how while talking at your level. Great guy and very skilled!

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