Clean/Adjust Transmission Range Switch? - Honda Pilot

Brutehawk · 09-07-2010, 03:35 PM

Sometimes the reverse lights on my 03 Pilot short out when I put the car in reverse. This corresponds with the R light on the dash failing to illuminate. The car has no problem going into gear, but I often have to fiddle with the shifter to illuminate the R so the reverse lights will come on. Another member here had the same problem, which a dealer fixed by cleaning and adjusting the Transmission Range Switch. I'd like to give that a try before dropping $150 for a new switch. I have a manual for removing and replacing. Any advice on how to properly clean and adjust the switch?

rocky · 09-07-2010, 03:56 PM

Most vehicles I've worked on had the shifter on the floor. The Reverse switch was threaded into position so you could screw it in further or reverse it out to get the correct position.

But I have no sense about column change. Can you post a page from the manual?

Brutehawk · 09-07-2010, 05:20 PM

Thanks for the reply! I don't have a scanner and a quick image search online didn't yield anything. It's just a basic Haynes Repair Manual. The switch seems to be located under a 4"x4" metal cover on the drivers side of the transmission, just forward of the axle. Reading closer I did find a few details on adjusting the switch before reinstall. The manual says to rotate the moving part of the switch to neutral as well as position the control shaft on the transmission to neutral. I guess my main concern now is cleaning the switch. Is there a cleaning solution that would be safe to use on the switch, a blast of compressed air maybe?

Brutehawk · 09-09-2010, 09:12 PM

Just finished cleaning and relubricating the switch. All is well with the R shift light and reverse lights. I do little more than my own oil changes and brake jobs and found this very simple. If the problem doesn't return I'll post a DIY next week.

mtinal · 01-03-2011, 08:12 PM

Please post the DIY for this. I have the exact same problem. Thanks

alex50 · 02-24-2013, 06:45 PM

I am experiencing the same problem. If anyone has DIY instructions for this, I would be greatful. Thanks.

09-07-2010, 03:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Brutehawk Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CT Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Clean/Adjust Transmission Range Switch? Sometimes the reverse lights on my 03 Pilot short out when I put the car in reverse. This corresponds with the R light on the dash failing to illuminate. The car has no problem going into gear, but I often have to fiddle with the shifter to illuminate the R so the reverse lights will come on. Another member here had the same problem, which a dealer fixed by cleaning and adjusting the Transmission Range Switch. I'd like to give that a try before dropping $150 for a new switch. I have a manual for removing and replacing. Any advice on how to properly clean and adjust the switch?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

09-07-2010, 03:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 8,776 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Most vehicles I've worked on had the shifter on the floor. The Reverse switch was threaded into position so you could screw it in further or reverse it out to get the correct position. But I have no sense about column change. Can you post a page from the manual?

09-07-2010, 05:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Brutehawk Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CT Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for the reply! I don't have a scanner and a quick image search online didn't yield anything. It's just a basic Haynes Repair Manual. The switch seems to be located under a 4"x4" metal cover on the drivers side of the transmission, just forward of the axle. Reading closer I did find a few details on adjusting the switch before reinstall. The manual says to rotate the moving part of the switch to neutral as well as position the control shaft on the transmission to neutral. I guess my main concern now is cleaning the switch. Is there a cleaning solution that would be safe to use on the switch, a blast of compressed air maybe?

09-09-2010, 09:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Brutehawk Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CT Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Just finished cleaning and relubricating the switch. All is well with the R shift light and reverse lights. I do little more than my own oil changes and brake jobs and found this very simple. If the problem doesn't return I'll post a DIY next week.

01-03-2011, 08:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
mtinal Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Decatur, AL Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Please post the DIY for this. I have the exact same problem. Thanks

02-24-2013, 06:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
alex50 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NYC Posts: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I am experiencing the same problem. If anyone has DIY instructions for this, I would be greatful. Thanks.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Piloteers.org Advertisement