Is there basically two Park/Neutral Switches?

[gmrulz4u]

I'm a little confused here, I think...

 

How many Park/Neutral Safety switches is there on an 89 Cutlass Supreme? Because it appears that there's two ie. One is used by the ECM, the other is in-line with the 12-volt wire going from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid to energize the starter and crank the engine.

 

Is this correct?

 

The one the ECM uses is pretty much useless as far as starting goes in that the car will still start if it's defective or if the ECM is seeing the car is in Drive or Reverse etc.

 

The other one, mounted in the engine compartment above the transaxle, is what can cause no-cranking issues if it's defective, right?

 

Anyone have anymore insight on this?

 

THANKS!

[GutlessSupreme]

If you have an auto, the only one is the transaxle position switch, which is on the tranny and goes to the ECM.

 

If you have a manual, you have the clutch switch on the firewall/floor that the clutch pedal hits and allows you to start the car. That's it. Doesn't go to the ECM at all. It has a reverse switch on the tranny, but that's only for the reverse lights.

 

And car will not necessarily start if the ECM is defective, as there will be no ignition/fuel pump/injector pulse. It would still crank though.

[rockfangd]

could also be the ignition control module but thats only if it cranks but has no spark or fuel