Best Neutral Safety Back-Up Switches of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Neutral Safety Back-Up Switches are important safety components in modern vehicles. These switches prevent the engine from starting if the transmission is not in the neutral or park position, and also activate the reverse lights when the gear is shifted to reverse. The switch is typically located on the transmission or the shifter mechanism and is activated by the movement of the gear selector. It is crucial to ensure that the switch is in good working condition to prevent accidental vehicle movement and ensure proper operation of the reverse lights. Neutral Safety Back-Up Switches are available from various automotive parts suppliers and should be installed by a qualified mechanic.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Beck Arnley Back-Up Switch - 201-1788 Cover #TOP 1
Beck Arnley Back-Up Switch - 201-1788
ftb score rating icon 9.9
GM Genuine Parts Neutral Safety Back-Up Switch Cover #TOP 2
GM Genuine Parts Neutral Safety Back-Up Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ACDelco GM Original Equipment D2209D Switch Cover #TOP 3
ACDelco GM Original Equipment D2209D Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Neutral Safety Back-Up Switches

#TOP 1

Beck Arnley Back-Up Switch - 201-1788

201-1788
Beck Arnley Back-Up Switch - 201-1788 Cover
Beck/Arnley 201-1788 Back-Up Switch

The Beck Arnley Back-Up Switch - 201-1788 is a premium-quality neutral safety back-up switch that guarantees a perfect fit for your vehicle. This product features OE form, fit, and function, made-to-fit OE wiring harness and plugs, and premium construction and materials for corrosion resistance. It is 100% tested for both mechanical and electrical performance and is application-specific to ensure a correct fit for your vehicle.

What We Like
Guarantees a perfect fit for your vehicle
Premium construction and materials for corrosion resistance
100% tested for both mechanical and electrical performance
#TOP 2

GM Genuine Parts Neutral Safety Back-Up Switch

D2257C
Black
GM Genuine Parts Neutral Safety Back-Up Switch Cover
GM Genuine Parts D2257C (24221125) Park/Neutral Position and Back-Up Lamp Switch

GM Genuine Parts Neutral Safety Back-Up Switch works with your vehicle's electronics to improve its capabilities. It is a GM-recommended replacement part for the original factory component and offers the same quality, reliability, and durability as GM OE. The switch is manufactured to GM OE specification for a perfect fit, form, and function.

What We Like
Optimizes vehicle capabilities
GM-recommended replacement part
High quality, reliable, and durable
#TOP 3

ACDelco GM Original Equipment D2209D Switch

D2209D
Black
ACDelco GM Original Equipment D2209D Switch Cover
GM Genuine Parts D2209D (19152823) Park/Neutral Position and Back-Up Lamp Switch

The ACDelco GM Original Equipment D2209D Switch is designed to work with your GM vehicle's electronics to help optimize its capabilities. It is a GM-recommended replacement part offering quality, reliability, and durability. Manufactured to GM OE specification, it ensures a precise fit, form, and function. As a Neutral Safety Back-Up Switch, it helps ensure proper vehicle operation.

What We Like
Precise fit, form, and function
GM-recommended replacement part
Ensures proper vehicle operation
#TOP 4

TRQ Neutral Safety Switch for Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car

TRQ
SWA40611
TRQ Neutral Safety Switch for Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car Cover
TRQ Neutral Safety Switch Compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Crown Victoria 1998-2010 Lincoln Town Car Mercury Grand Marquis 2003-2004 Marauder

The TRQ Neutral Safety Switch is designed to fit your Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Marauder models with ease. This part comes with multiple reference numbers to ensure compatibility, so you can quickly verify it fits your vehicle before buying. With over 25 years of trusted quality, TRQ is known for reliable, direct-fit replacement parts that save you time. The switch is pre-assembled and ready to install without any modifications, making the replacement process straightforward and hassle-free. If you want a smooth, precise fit and a dependable product, the TRQ Neutral Safety Switch is a smart choice.

What We Like
Wide compatibility
Trusted brand quality
Pre-assembled design
Easy installation
#TOP 5

GM Genuine Parts Park/Neutral and Backup Switch 24298931

24298931
Black
GM Genuine Parts Park/Neutral and Backup Switch 24298931 Cover
GM Genuine Parts 24298931 Park/Neutral Position and Backup Lamp Switch

The GM Park Neutral Backup Switch is designed to fit a wide range of GM vehicles including Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Isuzu, and Oldsmobile models from the mid-1990s to early 2000s. This switch ensures your vehicle can only start when in park or neutral, adding an important safety feature that prevents accidental starts in gear. It also controls the backup lamps, turning them on automatically when you shift into reverse, which helps alert others and improves visibility. As a genuine GM part, it promises a perfect fit and restores the original factory performance of your vehicle, saving you time and effort in installation.

What We Like
Wide vehicle compatibility
Safety start feature
Automatic backup lamp activation
OE quality fit and performance
#TOP 6

HiSport Neutral Safety Switch for Hyundai Kia

HSNSS39055
HiSport Neutral Safety Switch for Hyundai Kia Cover
HiSport Neutral Safety Switch Backup Switch 42700-39055 Compatible with Hyundai Kia Spectra Spectra5 Sportage Rondo Optima Amanti Sedona,Elantra Tiburon Santa Sonata XG300 Azera Entourage

The HiSport Neutral Safety Switch is designed to fit a wide range of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, including popular models like Elantra, Sonata, Sportage, and Optima. This switch ensures your vehicle starts only in neutral or park, enhancing safety during ignition. It supports multiple engine sizes and model years, so you can find a perfect match for your car. By using the HiSport Neutral Safety Switch, you get a reliable replacement part that helps prevent accidental engine starts in unsafe gear positions, giving you peace of mind every time you start your car.

What We Like
Wide vehicle compatibility
Supports multiple engine sizes
Enhances ignition safety
Reliable replacement part
#TOP 7

Sawyer Auto Back Up Light Switch Connector for Jeep Wrangler

PG-1823363
Sawyer Auto Back Up Light Switch Connector for Jeep Wrangler Cover
Back Up Light Switch Connector for 1987-1995, 1997-2002 Jeep Wrangler (PG-1823363)

The Sawyer Auto Back Up Switch is designed to fit Jeep Wrangler models from 1987 to 1995 and 1997 to 2002, making installation simple and hassle-free. This switch connector is built using modern manufacturing techniques, ensuring you get a reliable part that meets high-quality standards. It’s made from durable materials that often surpass the original equipment manufacturer’s parts, providing you with a longer-lasting replacement. As a direct fit replacement, it installs just like the factory part, saving you time and effort during the swap. This product is ideal if you want a dependable and easy-to-install backup light switch connector for your Jeep Wrangler.

What We Like
Modern manufacturing quality
Durable materials
Direct fit installation
Reliable design
#TOP 8

Beck/Arnley Back-Up Switch

201-1656
Brass
Beck/Arnley Back-Up Switch Cover
Beck/Arnley Beck/Arnley 201-1656 Back-Up Switch

Beck/Arnley Switch is a top-quality product designed to match your vehicle's original equipment specifications. It comes with a made-to-fit wiring harness and plugs, ensuring easy installation. The premium construction and materials used provide excellent corrosion resistance, enhancing the switch's durability. Additionally, it undergoes rigorous testing for both mechanical and electrical performance, guaranteeing reliability. This application-specific switch ensures a perfect fit for your vehicle, giving you peace of mind while driving.

What We Like
OE Match
Corrosion Resistance
Reliable Performance Testing
#TOP 9

TRQ Neutral Safety Switch for Ford and Mercury Vehicles

TRQ
SWA40591
Black
TRQ Neutral Safety Switch for Ford and Mercury Vehicles Cover
TRQ Neutral Safety Switch Compatible with 2005-2007 Ford Freestar 1998-2003 Ranger 1998-2007 Taurus 1998-2002 Lincoln Continental 2004-2007 Mercury Monterey 1998-2005 Sable

The TRQ Neutral Safety Switch is designed to fit a wide range of Ford and Mercury models, giving you confidence in its compatibility. With over 25 years of experience, TRQ is a trusted brand known for making replacement parts that fit just right. You can easily check if this switch fits your vehicle using the Amazon Garage “confirmed fit” feature, helping you avoid mistakes. Installation is straightforward because the switch comes pre-assembled and matches the original part perfectly, so you won’t need to make any adjustments or modifications. This means you save time and effort when replacing your safety switch.

What We Like
Wide vehicle compatibility
Trusted brand with long history
Amazon fit confirmation
Pre-assembled for easy installation
#TOP 10

Beck Arnley 201-1671 Back-Up Switch

201-1671
Black
Beck Arnley 201-1671 Back-Up Switch Cover
Beck/Arnley 201-1671 Back-Up Switch

The Beck Arnley 201-1671 Back-Up Switch is a reliable replacement part that is designed to match OE form, fit, and function. This switch is made-to-fit with OE wiring harness and plugs, ensuring a correct fit for your vehicle. The premium construction and materials provide corrosion resistance, and it is 100% tested for both mechanical and electrical performance. The application-specific feature makes it easy to install and use.

What We Like
OE form, fit, and function
Corrosion resistance
100% tested for mechanical and electrical performance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you drive without a neutral safety switch?

Driving without a neutral safety switch is not recommended. Bypassing the selector switch can be a safety hazard as the vehicle can start and run in any gear. It is advisable to replace the neutral safety switch, which is an inexpensive fix and ensures safer operation of the vehicle.

2. What causes a neutral safety switch to fail?

A neutral safety switch can fail due to internal component failure, where it may activate in one gear but not in others. It can also be caused by electrical failure or if the switch is loose and needs adjustment. If any issues are detected, it is recommended to have a certified mechanic repair the switch to ensure proper functioning.

3. Is it expensive to replace a neutral safety switch?

The cost of replacing a neutral safety switch can vary. On average, it can range between $185 and $202. However, it is always best to consult with a professional and get an accurate estimate based on the specific make and model of your vehicle.

4. How long does it take to fix a neutral safety switch?

Replacing a neutral safety switch can typically be done within approximately 1 hour. The cost of the switch itself can range from $25 to $160. It is important to note that these figures may vary, and it is recommended to consult with a professional for an accurate assessment based on your specific vehicle.

5. How much does it cost to replace a neutral safety switch?

The cost of replacing a neutral safety switch can range from $100 to around $350, depending on factors such as the make and model of the vehicle and the specialist working on the system. It is advisable to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate based on your specific vehicle's requirements.

Editor's Notes

During our neutral safety back-up switch research, we found 24 neutral safety back-up switch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,946 customer reviews through our big data system to write the neutral safety back-up switches list. We found that most customers choose neutral safety back-up switches with an average price of $19.68.

The neutral safety back-up switches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of neutral safety back-up switches, including Beck/Arnley, GM GENUINE PARTS, TRQ, HiSport, Sawyer Auto. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.