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2003 Legacy Will Only Start in Neutral


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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?

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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

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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.

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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).

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