Kia Optima DL3 Quiz
Automatic Transmission

Inhibitor Switch

In this manual: Automatic Transmission
General Information — 8Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) — 21Maintenance — 27Engine Mechanical System — 45Engine Electrical System — 11Emission Control System — 11Engine Control System/Fuel System — 25Automatic Transmission — 20Drive Shaft and Axle — 7Suspension System — 22Steering — 7Restraints — 11Brake System — 22Body (Interior and Exterior) — 116Body Electrical System — 90Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 32
22steps
~137min
5/5difficulty
1special tools
0102030405011.89N·mlb·ft
Tightening torque found on this page
Done 0 of 22

Specifications

Specification

Item Specification
Supply voltage (V) 4.5 - 5.5 V
Output type Shift Range (P/R/N/D) Non-contact (2-channel PWM signal)
Start, Back-up Lamp Contact

Description and Operation

Description

  • The inhibitor switch is installed on the upper part of the transmission and connected to the shift lever.

  • The inhibitor switch signals are sent to the TCM according to the shift lever positions (P, R, N, D) and are used to control gear setting.

  • When the shift lever is in the R range, send the output signal to the back-up lamps.

  • When the shift lever is in the P or N range, send the output signal to the starter relay.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Components and Component Location

Component

1. Manual Control Lever 2. Inhibitor Switch

Repair Procedures

Inspection

  1. Check the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using the KDS.

  2. Check that the "N" range setting is aligned.

    (Refer to Lock Switch - "Installation")

  3. Check the free play of the shift cable.

    (Refer to Shift Cable - "Installation")

  4. Check the condition of the connector.

    1. Carefully inspect the connector for looseness, poor contact, bending, corrosion, contamination, deformation, or damage.

    2. Turn the ignition switch ON, turn the engine OFF, and measure the voltage between the power supplied to the inhibitor switch circuit and ground.

      Specification: approx. 12 V

  5. Inspect the wiring connection of the power terminal of the junction box and the fuse/relay.

    1. Check that the fuse holder is not disconnected, and make sure the holder firmly secures the fuse.

    2. Connect a test fuse to make sure it is connected correctly.

    3. Check whether the fuse is damaged.

  6. Check the signal of the lock switch circuit.

    1. Turn the ignition switch ON and the engine OFF.

    2. Measure the voltage between each signal terminal and chassis ground in each range (P, R, N, D).

    Specification: approx. 4.5 - 5.5 V

Removal

  1. Shift the transmission to "N".

  2. Remove the air cleaner assembly.

    (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Air Cleaner")

  3. Disconnect the inhibitor switch connector (A) and loosen the shift cable mounting nut (B).

  4. Remove the manual control lever (A) after loosening the nut and washer.

  5. Remove the inhibitor switch (A) after removing the bolts.

Installation

  1. Make sure the transmission is shifted to "N".

  2. Install the inhibitor switch (A).

  3. Install the manual control lever (A) and washer.

  4. Align the hole in the manual control lever with the "N" position hole of the inhibitor switch, then insert the inhibitor switch guide pin SST (09480-A3800).

  5. Tighten the inhibitor switch mounting bolts (A) and the manual control lever mounting nut (B) to the specified torque.

    Tightening torque:

    (A) 9,8–11.8 N·m

    (B) 17,7–24 N·m

  6. Lightly tighten the nut (A) after installing the shift cable (B).

  7. Lightly press the nut (A) in the direction of the arrow to remove the play, then tighten the nut to the specified torque.

    Tightening Torque: 9.8–14.7 N·m

  8. Remove the SST (09480-A3800).

  9. Connect the shift lock switch connector (A).

  10. Install the air cleaner assembly.

    (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Air Cleaner")

  11. Make sure that the inhibitor switch engages securely in each range corresponding to each shift lever position.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.