Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Ultimate Subaru Message Board

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

2003 Legacy Will Only Start in Neutral

Featured Replies

Hello to all and thanks for any forthcoming advice.

 

My 2003 Subaru Legacy with an automatic transmission would not turn over. The battery is completely charged. I removed the Shift Lock Release cover and put it in neutral. It will start right up while in neutral, but not in park.

 

Is there a switch in the shifter console area that may need replaced? Can we operate the car safely until the switch is replaced?

Make sure the connectors to the transmission from the harness are firmly attached, and there is no corrosion, dirt, moisture at the connectors.

 

These connectors are near the firewall tunnel.

Yes x 2.

Pretty sure the neutral safety switch is in the console.

Just be extra sure you are in neutral w/starting.A firm foot on the brake too,JIC.

Just so you know, you don't have to push the shift release button to shift it with the engine off. Turn the ignition on, push the brake, and you should be able to shift from P to N. At least, my 98 works like that. Until you get it sorted out, that will at least save you having to push the shift lock release

Yes x 2.

Pretty sure the neutral safety switch is in the console.

Just be extra sure you are in neutral w/starting.A firm foot on the brake too,JIC.

 

 

NSS is called an inhibitor swich and located on the side of the transmission. This is the switch to check. It has a harness coming off it as it tells the puters what gear the car is in.

There is a shifter release you can push with a screwdriver or pen on the console.

 

I had trouble with linkage on one and NSS on another. I forget which was on which side of the transmission. IIR you gotta really get underneath the car (unless you have a lift).

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

Sign In Now

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.