Where is the neutral safety switch - transmission range selector switch located on a Taurus - Sable?

Answer 1

Symptoms
(Each bullet point is a symptom that doesn't necessarily happen at the same time):

• Loss of Power Steering assist, all window controls (none are lit up), rear window defrost controls, half of the MFS controls (only Hi, Lo, and turn signals work), and radio only when car is in R, (D), D, and 1. Everything functions fine when put into P or N.
• Transmission randomly downshifts/upshifts suddenly while driving.

Source: TaurusCarClub.com - you really need to sign up if you own one of these. Worldclass Taurus/Sable information

See "Related Links" for more
Answer
The neutral switch is built into the Transmission Range Selector switch located on the top of the transmission.

Rick

I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com

2000 Ford Taurus neutral switch location
On my 2000 Ford Taurus is is located just to the left of the air filter case,in front of the driver side fire wall under the hood, behind & under the air filter duct, on top of the transmission. It has 2 8mm bolts on each side, 1 13mm nut in the center with a 1" bracket attached to a rod that goes to the fire wall,the bracket will move if you have someone shift the gear shifter on the steering wheel.
Answer
It appears that the part does go by both names:

• Autozone refers to it as the Neutral Safety Switch as the replacement part
  
• and the above-mentioned Transmission Range Selector switch in the "Repair Guide"
  

NOTE: Autozone now requires free registration to access the repair guides. More than worth the extra effort for these photo/illustrated instructions.




It's not called that anymore. It's now called the Transmission Range Selector and it's located right on top of the transmission.


The neutral safety switch on a Ford Taurus is also called a transmission shift relay switch. It is on top of the transmission just back of and below the air filter box and air inlet hose. You can see a lever and arm attached to the top of it and a connector to the side. About $50 at Murray's auto parts.