Guide to the 2013-2019 Chevrolet Impala Neutral Safety Switch
Is your Impala refusing to start or showing the wrong gear? Your neutral safety switch could be the problem.
- A bad switch is a safety hazard that can cause the car to start in gear or leave you stranded.
- On the 2013-2019 Impala, this part is inside the transmission, and replacement is a complex job for a professional.
- Common symptoms include a no-start condition, incorrect gear display, and a Check Engine Light with code P0705.
- Due to the high labor cost, choosing a quality OEM or top-tier aftermarket part is recommended to avoid repeat repairs.
Is Your Impala Having Starting Problems?
If you're turning the key in your 2013-2019 Impala and nothing happens, a faulty neutral safety switch is a common suspect. This component ensures your car only starts when it's safely in Park or Neutral. When it fails, it can leave you stranded or create dangerous situations. On this generation of Impala, the switch is located inside the transmission, making its replacement more complex than on many other vehicles.
Symptoms of a Failing Neutral Safety Switch
- No-Start Condition: The engine won't crank at all when in Park or Neutral. You may find it starts in one gear but not the other.
- Starts in Any Gear: A very dangerous symptom where the car can start in Drive or Reverse, causing it to move unexpectedly. This requires immediate attention.
- Check Engine Light: The switch can trigger a Check Engine Light, often with diagnostic trouble code P0705 🎬 Watch: Understanding the P0705 code and how to fix it. stored in the computer.
- Incorrect Gear Display: The gear indicator on your dashboard (PRNDL) may not match the gear you've actually selected, or it may be blank.
- No Reverse Lights: Since the switch controls the backup lights, their failure can be a sign the switch is bad.
A Note on Installation Difficulty
For the 2013-2019 Chevrolet Impala, the neutral safety switch (Transmission Range Sensor) is typically located inside the transmission and is connected to the valve body. This is not an external, bolt-on part. Replacement requires draining the transmission fluid, removing the transmission pan, and then removing the valve body to access the switch. This is a complex job that is not recommended for a DIY beginner. 🎬 Watch: How a range sensor is replaced without special tools. It is best handled by a professional mechanic.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Switch
When replacing a critical safety part, quality is key. For your Impala, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket brands like Rostra Powertrain and Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products).
- OEM (ACDelco): Generally the most reliable choice, as it's the same part your car was built with. It guarantees perfect fit and function but comes at a higher price.
- Rostra Powertrain: Rostra positions itself as a manufacturer of both OEM and high-quality aftermarket parts, often highlighting their quality certifications. They are a reputable choice for transmission electronics.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): A long-standing brand in the aftermarket. Quality can sometimes be inconsistent, as they source parts from various manufacturers, but they can also offer good value and sometimes even re-box the original OEM part.
Given the high labor cost involved in this specific repair, spending a little extra on a high-quality OEM or top-tier aftermarket part can prevent you from having to do the job twice.
Cost to Replace the Neutral Safety Switch
The total cost depends heavily on whether you are buying the part yourself or having a shop do the entire job. Because this is an internally mounted switch, labor costs will be a significant part of the total price.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Part | $50.52 - $74.87 |
| New OEM Part (ACDelco) | $80 - $150 |
| Shop Labor | $200 - $350 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $250 - $500+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the difference between a Neutral Safety Switch and a Transmission Range Sensor?
The terms are often used for the same part. Originally, a simple switch just handled starting and reverse lights. Modern vehicles use a more complex "Transmission Range Sensor" (TRS) that provides precise gear position information to the computer, but it still performs the same safety functions.
Can I drive my Impala with a bad neutral safety switch?
It is strongly recommended not to. If the switch is faulty, you could get stranded if the car refuses to start. More importantly, if the car starts in gear, it poses a serious safety risk to you and others.
Where is the switch located on my 2015 Impala?
Unlike many cars where the switch is on the outside of the transmission, on the 2013-2019 Impala it is located inside the transmission, attached to the valve body. 🎬 See a professional walkthrough of this internal switch repair. This makes replacement a job for a professional mechanic.
Is replacing this switch a DIY job?
For this specific vehicle, it is not recommended for most DIY mechanics. The job requires removing the transmission pan and valve body, which is complex and can lead to more significant transmission problems if not done correctly.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Also known as: Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), Park/Neutral Position Switch. Location: Internal to transmission, mounted on the valve body.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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