Inhibitor Switch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester, 2012 Subaru Forester, 2011 Subaru Forester, and 2010 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The inhibitor switch assures safety when starting the engine. This switch is mounted on the right side of the transmission case, and is operated by the selector lever.

When the selector lever is set to P or N, the electrical circuit in the inhibitor switch is connected to the starter circuit to enable cranking of the engine.

When the selector lever is in the R or D range, the electrical circuit in the inhibitor switch is disconnected. Hence engine cranking is disabled. In the R range, the backup light circuit is completed in the switch, and the backup lights come on.

In addition to the above function, the inhibitor switch incorporates a circuit for detecting the selected range position and sending the range signal to the TCM.

Inhibitor switch side connector

Fig 1: Identifying Inhibitor Switch Side Connector

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Range position	Pin No.
P	(4) - (3) (12) - (11)
R	(4) - (2) (10) - (9)
N	(4) - (1) (12) - (11)
D	(4) - (8)