So I swapped my 97 OBW to a 5 spd manual from a 96. I used the 96 ECU and ran the correct identifier pin to ground and stopped getting auto trans codes and only get p1101 for the nuetral switch. I replaced the neutral switch to make sure it wasnt that. I even wired the switch right to correct pin on the ECU and it still comes up with that code. Anyone have any idea how I can get rid of this code? IM stumped.

Have you verified that the switch is suppling the correct voltage at the pin? If it is then I would have to say that the ECU may have a fault.

The section in the FSM for the P1101 is pretty short.

Check the switch for proper operation with a VOM.

Check the harness from the ECU to the switch.

And check the voltage coming from the ECU. Should be 4.5 - 5V.

I just checked the pin on the ECU, and I have 4.7 volts at it no matter what gear its in. This is strange why would it have power all the time. I know the switch is good.

 

Can someone clarify this for me? If you have a pin on the ECU that should have a certain voltage, or 0. Would it read voltage if the pin was grounded or not grounded?

Edited January 5, 201016 yr by Gsir08

Because the ECU is the power source. The switch opens/closes the ground circuit.

Check the switch for resistance across connector T2 while moving the shifter in and out of gear. It should be the brown connector on the passenger side of the bell housing on top. There will be another gray connector just like it right next to it.

Also check the other half of that connector (B25 in the diagram) for continuity to engine ground on pin 2.

Did you ground the other end of the neutral switch wiring?

 

I just did this on another 95 Legacy. Ecu to Neutral switch to ground.

 

The ecu put out the voltage, when the neutral switch goes to ground the voltage drops to zero as it finds a ground.

 

 

That's how the ECU knows the transmission is not in neutral.

Since the voltage isn't changing when the shifter is in neutral it means there is a open connection somewhere to the ECU pin. Like Imdew stated the ECU pin should show zero volts when the switch is closed and making the connection to ground.

Pull the ground side of the neutral switch. Hook up your multi meter and you should see the 5 volt signal switch on and off. If you don't see it, go to the input side of the switch and see if the voltage is getting to the switch.

I have a similar problem with my sisters 1995 Legacy automatic. Is there any update to this one??

This trouble is most likely due to a problem with the switch contacts in the switch on the transmission. The trouble could also be with one of the terminal connections or a broken wire.

I have a similar problem with my sisters 1995 Legacy automatic. Is there any update to this one??

 

The automatics are a whole different beast. Do some searching for how this pertains to automatic transmissions specifically and you should come up with a few threads on how to address it in your case. Use the advanced search function and sort by relevancy.

I relaced the safety switch and still have the P1101 code even after clearing out the codes several times since then they still come back. The drawing above seems fairly simepl how this works with just a couple wires. This thing has a fairly large connector with many more pins than 2. Not sure how many are actually used though.

 

This connectors is mounted up high on what I believe is the bellhousing where the auto trans attaches to the engine. The connector sits in a sheet metal bracket and another harness plugs in to it.

 

Is there a way to unplug this connector and short across two pins to troubleshoot this problem?