Pinpoint Test H: Neutral Tow Functional Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

H1 CHECK NEUTRAL TOW INDICATOR PROVE OUT
- Key in ON position.
- Key in OFF position.
- Does the neutral tow indicator prove-out?
1. YES : Go to H2.
2. NO : Go to H7.
H2 CHECK NEUTRAL TOW ACTIVATION
- Activate neutral tow:
  - make sure that the 4WD system is in 2WD mode.
  - press and hold the brake pedal.
  - transmission in N (NEUTRAL).
  - key in OFF position.
  - wait 5 seconds.
- Does neutral tow activate?
1. YES : Go to H3.
2. NO : Go to H9.
H3 CHECK FOR NEUTRAL TOW TIME-OUT
- Close the driver door.
- Monitor the neutral tow indicator.
- Does the indicator turn off after 20 seconds?
1. YES : Go to H4.
2. NO : CHECK the door ajar switch/smart junction box (SJB) for faults. Refer to INTERIOR LIGHTING article.
H4 CHECK NEUTRAL TOW INDICATION
- Open the driver's door.
- Monitor the neutral tow indicator.
- Does the neutral tow indicator illuminate?
1. YES : Go to H5.
2. NO : CHECK the door ajar switch/smart junction box (SJB) for faults. Refer to INTERIOR LIGHTING article.
H5 CHECK NEUTRAL DEACTIVATION BY IGNITION SWITCH
- Key in ON position.
- Does neutral tow deactivate?
1. YES : Go to H6.
2. NO : Go to H9.
H6 CHECK NEUTRAL TOW REACTIVATION
- Reactivate neutral tow:
  - make sure that the 4WD system is in 2WD mode.
  - press and hold the brake pedal.
  - transmission in N (NEUTRAL).
  - key in OFF position.
  - wait 5 seconds.
- Deactivate neutral tow by shifting the transmission out of NEUTRAL.
- Does neutral tow reactivate then deactivate?
1. YES : The neutral tow system is functional.
2. NO : Go to H10.
H7 CHECK NEUTRAL TOW SYSTEM INSTALLATION
- VERIFY that all neutral tow system components are installed correctly.
- Are all neutral tow system components installed correctly?
1. YES : Go to H8.
2. NO : INSTALL the neutral tow system components as necessary, then REPEAT the functional test.
H8 CHECK THE NEUTRAL TOW INDICATOR OPERATION
- Connect: PID/DATA Monitor and Record
- Follow the scan tool directions to activate neutral tow system.
- Monitor the neutral tow indicator.
- Key ON, then key OFF.
- Does the neutral tow indicator prove-out correctly?
1. YES : Go to H2.
2. NO : CHECK and REPAIR neutral tow system wiring as necessary, then REPEAT the functional test.
H9 CHECK TRANSFER CASE SHIFT MOTOR OPERATION BY ACTIVATING 4x4 LOW
- Key in ON position.
- Select 4x4 LOW:
  - vehicle stationary.
  - press the brake.
  - shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
  - select 4x4 LOW.
    - wait for the 4x4 LOW indicator to illuminate in the instrument cluster (IC) indicating that the shift is complete.
- Does the 4x4 LOW indicator illuminate?
1. YES : Go to H10.
2. NO : Go to Pinpoint Test C .
H10 CHECK THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH AND IGNITION STATE PIDS
- Connect the diagnostic tool.
- Key in OFF position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the diagnostic tool: PID/DATA Monitor and Record
- A. Monitor the 4X4 control module transmission neutral safety switch status PID while shifting the transmission through gear ranges.
- B. Monitor the ignition state PID.
- A. Does the 4X4 control module transmission neutral safety switch position PID indicate NEUTRAL when the transmission is shifted to NEUTRAL?
  B. Does the ignition state PID indicate OFF?
1. YES : If both PIDS are accurate, INSTALL a new 4X4 control module. REFER to 4X4 Control Module in this article, then REPEAT the functional test.
2. NO : A. REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 5R44E AND 5R55E article for further diagnosis of the neutral safety switch.
  B. REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER article for further diagnosis of the ignition switch.