Park/Neutral Switch

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2007 MINI Cooper, 2006 MINI Cooper, 2005 MINI Cooper, 2004 MINI Cooper, and 2003 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The selector cam activates the park/neutral switch, which prevents the car from starting in reverse or drive and switches on the reverse lights when in reverse. The switch status is also used by the EMS 2000 in conjunction with the gear selector switch to establish the correct driving mode

The switch is operated by a cam, which also operates the hydraulic control unit within the transmission. The selector lever via a cable to the transmission operates the cam. The switch has two positions and performs several functions, one of which is to inform the EWS immobilization unit that the transmission is in the park or neutral positions. The EWS unit will then enable the starter relay coil to be energized, thus allowing the engine to be started.

When the selector lever is in the park or neutral position and the ignition is switched on, the EMS 2000 will energize a shift lock solenoid on the selector lever. This locks the lever in the park or neutral position. The selector lever cannot be moved from the park or neutral position until the footbrake is applied.