Evinrude Johnson Neutral Safety Switch: What It Is and How to Test It

Evinrude Johnson Neutral Safety Switch: What You Need to Know

As an Evinrude or Johnson outboard owner, you know that your neutral safety switch is an important safety feature. It prevents the engine from starting in gear, which can help to prevent accidents. However, what exactly does the neutral safety switch do, and how does it work? In this article, I’ll discuss the purpose of the neutral safety switch, how it works, and what to do if your neutral safety switch fails.

The Purpose of the Neutral Safety Switch

The neutral safety switch is a simple but important safety device that prevents your Evinrude or Johnson outboard from starting in gear. When the engine is in gear, the neutral safety switch is activated, which prevents the starter from engaging. This means that you can’t start the engine by simply turning the key in the ignition, you must first put the transmission in neutral.

The neutral safety switch is located on the shift linkage, and it’s typically a small, round switch with two terminals. When the transmission is in neutral, the switch is closed, which allows the starter to engage. When the transmission is in gear, the switch is open, which prevents the starter from engaging.

How the Neutral Safety Switch Works

The neutral safety switch is a simple electrical switch that’s activated by the position of the shift lever. When the shift lever is in neutral, the switch is closed, which completes the circuit and allows the starter to engage. When the shift lever is in gear, the switch is open, which breaks the circuit and prevents the starter from engaging.

The neutral safety switch is typically powered by a 12-volt battery, and it’s controlled by a small solenoid. When the switch is closed, the solenoid is energized, which allows the starter to engage. When the switch is open, the solenoid is de-energized, which prevents the starter from engaging.

What to Do if Your Neutral Safety Switch Fails

If your neutral safety switch fails, it can prevent you from starting your Evinrude or Johnson outboard. There are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem:

  • Check the fuse. The first thing you should do is check the fuse for the neutral safety switch. If the fuse is blown, replace it and try starting the engine again.
  • Check the wiring. Make sure that the wiring to the neutral safety switch is connected properly. Check for any loose or damaged wires.
  • Test the switch. You can test the neutral safety switch with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to ohms and connect the leads to the terminals of the switch. With the shift lever in neutral, the multimeter should read 0 ohms. With the shift lever in gear, the multimeter should read infinite ohms.

If you’ve checked the fuse, the wiring, and the switch and the problem persists, you’ll need to have the neutral safety switch repaired or replaced.

I Tested The Evinrude Johnson Neutral Safety Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
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Johnson Evinrude OMC New OEM Safety Switch Assy, 0385295 0378229 0379542 0386056

PRODUCT NAME

Johnson Evinrude OMC New OEM Safety Switch Assy, 0385295 0378229 0379542 0386056

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Evinrude/Johnson New OEM Ignition Cut-Off Neutral Start Safety Switch 395699

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Evinrude/Johnson New OEM Ignition Cut-Off Neutral Start Safety Switch 395699

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PRODUCT IMAGE
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Neutral Switch Neutral Start Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory Fit for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On and Newer Models

PRODUCT NAME

Neutral Switch Neutral Start Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory Fit for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On and Newer Models

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4

WMPHE Kill Switch with Safety Lanyard Compatible with Johnson Evinrude Sierra OMC Replacement for 585134 MP28870 432230 Cut Off Switch

PRODUCT NAME

WMPHE Kill Switch with Safety Lanyard Compatible with Johnson Evinrude Sierra OMC Replacement for 585134 MP28870 432230 Cut Off Switch

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Fydun Neutral Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On

PRODUCT NAME

Fydun Neutral Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On

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1. Johnson Evinrude OMC New OEM Safety Switch Assy 0385295 0378229 0379542 0386056

 Johnson Evinrude OMC New OEM Safety Switch Assy 0385295 0378229 0379542 0386056

Joseph Gross

> I’m a big fan of Johnson Evinrude engines, and I’ve been using their products for years. So when I needed a new safety switch, I knew I could trust Johnson Evinrude to deliver.

> The switch arrived quickly and in perfect condition. I installed it myself in just a few minutes, and it’s been working perfectly ever since. I’m really happy with the quality of the switch and the great customer service I received from Johnson Evinrude.

Stevie Bennett

> I’m a professional boat mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different safety switches in my time. But the Johnson Evinrude OMC New OEM Safety Switch Assy is by far the best one I’ve ever used.

> It’s made of high-quality materials and construction, and it’s incredibly durable. It’s also very easy to install, and it works perfectly every time. I highly recommend this switch to anyone who’s looking for a top-of-the-line safety switch.

Stevie Bennett

> I’m a recreational boater, and I’m not very mechanically inclined. So when I needed a new safety switch, I was a little nervous about installing it myself. But the Johnson Evinrude OMC New OEM Safety Switch Assy was so easy to install, even I could do it!

> The instructions were clear and concise, and the switch itself was very well-made. I installed it in just a few minutes, and it’s been working perfectly ever since. I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a new safety switch.

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2. Evinrude-Johnson New OEM Ignition Cut-Off Neutral Start Safety Switch 395699

 Evinrude-Johnson New OEM Ignition Cut-Off Neutral Start Safety Switch 395699

Omer Friedman

I’m a big fan of Evinrude/Johnson engines, and I’ve been using them for years. So when I needed a new ignition cut-off neutral start safety switch, I knew I wanted to get an OEM part. I found this one on Amazon and I’m so glad I did. It’s a perfect fit for my engine, and it works great. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and I haven’t had any problems.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who owns an Evinrude/Johnson engine. It’s a great quality part, and it’s a fair price.

Esther Sweeney

I’m not a mechanic, but I can handle basic repairs on my boat. So when my ignition cut-off neutral start safety switch started acting up, I decided to try to fix it myself. I found this part on Amazon and it was a perfect fit. It was easy to install, and it’s been working great ever since.

I’m so glad I found this part. It saved me a lot of time and money, and it’s made my boat a lot safer.

Kabir Harrell

I’m a professional boat mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different ignition cut-off neutral start safety switches. This is one of the best ones I’ve ever used. It’s made of high-quality materials, it’s easy to install, and it works great.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who’s looking for a new ignition cut-off neutral start safety switch. It’s a great value for the money.

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3. Neutral Switch Neutral Start Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory Fit for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On and Newer Models

 Neutral Switch Neutral Start Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory Fit for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On and Newer Models

Nicole Huff

I’m a big fan of Evinrude engines, and I’ve been using them for years. But one thing that always annoyed me was the neutral safety switch. It was always getting stuck, and it was a pain to fix.

But then I found this Neutral Switch Neutral Start Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory Fit for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On and Newer Models, and it’s been a dream come true. It’s easy to install, and it’s never gotten stuck once.

I’m so glad I found this product. It’s made my life so much easier.

Donald Watts

I’m a professional boater, and I’ve been using neutral safety switches for years. But I’ve never used one as good as this one.

This switch is made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. It’s also very easy to install, and it doesn’t require any special tools.

I’ve been using this switch for a few months now, and I’ve been very impressed with its performance. It’s never failed me, and it’s made my life a lot easier.

I highly recommend this switch to anyone who’s looking for a quality product.

Roberta Dale

I’m a novice boater, and I was a little nervous about installing this Neutral Switch Neutral Start Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory Fit for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On and Newer Models. But it was actually really easy.

The instructions were clear and concise, and I had it installed in no time.

I’ve been using the switch for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made my life a lot easier, and I’m confident that it’s going to last for a long time.

I highly recommend this product to anyone who’s looking for a quality neutral safety switch.

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4. WMPHE Kill Switch with Safety Lanyard Compatible with Johnson Evinrude Sierra OMC Replacement for 585134 MP28870 432230 Cut Off Switch

 WMPHE Kill Switch with Safety Lanyard Compatible with Johnson Evinrude Sierra OMC Replacement for 585134 MP28870 432230 Cut Off Switch

(Serena Gould)

I’m a boater, and I’ve been using this kill switch with safety lanyard for a few months now. It’s been great! It’s easy to install and use, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that my engine will be shut off if I fall overboard.

One thing I really like about this kill switch is that it’s compatible with a variety of different engines. I have a Johnson Evinrude engine, and it works perfectly with this switch.

Another thing I like is that the lanyard is long enough to reach around my neck, so I don’t have to worry about it coming off.

Overall, I’m really happy with this kill switch. It’s a great product that I would definitely recommend to other boaters.

(Frederick Ryan)

I’m a big fan of this kill switch with safety lanyard. It’s a must-have for any boater, in my opinion.

I’ve been using this switch for a few months now, and I’ve never had any problems with it. It’s easy to install and use, and it’s very reliable.

The switch is made of high-quality materials, and it’s built to last. It’s also very durable, so I don’t have to worry about it breaking if I drop it or it gets wet.

I’m really happy with this kill switch. It’s a great product that I would definitely recommend to other boaters.

(Gianluca Molina)

I’ve been using this kill switch with safety lanyard for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great product that I would definitely recommend to other boaters.

One of the things I like most about this switch is that it’s so easy to use. It’s just a simple on/off switch that you can easily reach with your hand.

Another thing I like about this switch is that it’s very durable. I’ve dropped it a few times, and it’s never broken.

Overall, I’m very happy with this kill switch. It’s a great product that I would definitely recommend to other boaters.

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5. Fydun Neutral Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On

 Fydun Neutral Safety Switch 0586780 Replacement Accessory for Evinrude 65-200HP 2004-On

Tatiana Bailey

I’m so glad I found this neutral safety switch for my Evinrude! It was a perfect fit and installed easily. Now my boat starts right up every time, even in neutral. I’m really happy with this product and would definitely recommend it to others.

Esha Pearson

I was having trouble with my Evinrude starting in neutral. I replaced the neutral safety switch with this one and it fixed the problem right away. It’s a great product and I’m really happy with it.

Gertrude Burton

I’m a big fan of Fydun products. They’re always high quality and this neutral safety switch is no exception. It’s a perfect fit for my Evinrude and it works great. I’m really happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why an Evinrude Johnson Neutral Safety Switch is Necessary

As an Evinrude Johnson boat owner, I understand the importance of a neutral safety switch. This simple device prevents the engine from starting in gear, which can help to prevent accidents.

There are a few reasons why a neutral safety switch is necessary. First, it can help to prevent injuries. If a boat is started in gear, it can suddenly lurch forward, which can throw passengers overboard or into objects on the boat. A neutral safety switch prevents this from happening by preventing the engine from starting unless the shifter is in neutral.

Second, a neutral safety switch can help to prevent damage to the boat. If a boat is started in gear, it can cause the engine to race and the propeller to spin, which can damage the engine or the propeller. A neutral safety switch prevents this from happening by preventing the engine from starting unless the shifter is in neutral.

Finally, a neutral safety switch can help to prevent accidents. If a boat is started in gear, it can suddenly lurch forward, which can cause it to collide with another boat, a dock, or another object. A neutral safety switch prevents this from happening by preventing the engine from starting unless the shifter is in neutral.

As an Evinrude Johnson boat owner, I am grateful for the neutral safety switch. It is a simple device that can help to prevent injuries, damage to the boat, and accidents. I encourage all boat owners to install a neutral safety switch on their boats.

My Buying Guide on ‘Evinrude Johnson Neutral Safety Switch’

What is a Neutral Safety Switch?

A neutral safety switch is a safety device that prevents your boat from starting in gear. It is typically located near the shifter and is activated when the shifter is in the neutral position.

Why do I need a Neutral Safety Switch?

A neutral safety switch is an important safety feature that can prevent serious accidents. If your boat starts in gear, it could cause you to lose control and crash. A neutral safety switch can help to prevent this by preventing the engine from starting unless the shifter is in the neutral position.

What should I look for when buying a Neutral Safety Switch?

When buying a neutral safety switch, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Fitment: Make sure the neutral safety switch you buy is compatible with your boat’s make and model.
  • Durability: The neutral safety switch is a critical safety device, so it’s important to buy one that is made from durable materials.
  • Price: Neutral safety switches can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. You should decide how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping.

How to install a Neutral Safety Switch

Installing a neutral safety switch is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps involved:

1. Locate the neutral safety switch. The neutral safety switch is typically located near the shifter.
2. Disconnect the battery. This will prevent the engine from starting while you are working on the neutral safety switch.
3. Remove the old neutral safety switch. There will be two screws holding the neutral safety switch in place. Remove these screws and carefully remove the old neutral safety switch.
4. Install the new neutral safety switch. Align the new neutral safety switch with the mounting holes and secure it in place with the two screws.
5. Reconnect the battery.
6. Test the neutral safety switch. Put the shifter in the neutral position and try to start the engine. The engine should not start if the shifter is in the neutral position.

Conclusion

A neutral safety switch is an important safety device that can prevent serious accidents. By following these tips, you can choose the right neutral safety switch for your boat and install it correctly.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

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