2004 Arctic 400 4x4 will not show neutral to start

[robc101]

I parked my 2004 Arctic cat 400 4x4 about a week ago, went out to start it, it was in neutral but will not show neutral light to start. Runs perfect, starts right up every time, so not sure what it is . checked fuses non blown that i can see. anybody have any solutions?

[DirtDemon]

So you are saying that the light just doesn't come on, right? If it starts up ok, then the neutral safety switch must be ok. Have you tried applying voltage straight to the light, maybe the bulb is just out.

[robc101]

No it will not start. Could it be the neutral safety switch? if so where would i find it? Lights and everything come on but it thinks it is in gear i guess.

Edited December 6, 2010 by robc101

[DirtDemon]

I'm sorry that it took so long to get a reply, you have probably figured it out by now. If you haven't, the placement of the switch depends on if you have a manual or auto transmission. On the auto, I believe it will be on located on the opposite side of where the gear shifting linkage actually enters the case. On the manual, it is located on the side of the gearbox at the end of the shift drum. This is usually on the opposite side of the shift lever on most machines, but depending on how yours is setup it could be on either side. In either case you are looking for a relatively small electrical component, with a plastic casing and wires coming out of it. There will be a pin and likely a spring that comes out when you take it off. It will be held to the side of the case by one or more screws. I certainly think that a gear position sensor, or neutral safety switch is likely to be your problem. Good luck. BTW, I deleted your other thread, since it is kind of redundant to this one.

[gmag25]

Hey not sure if you figured out your problem but I have a 04' cat 500 manual, and my reverse shifter on the right side was the problem. If you pull the side plastic off that is under the shifter look at the switch that contacts the shifter, I had to pull the shifter off and weld the tab that makes contact with the switch because it had wore down to far to make the conact. Hope this helps.

[swampcat07]

gmag thanks for the pointer. I will remember that when I work on the 04s