P1899: Park/Neutral Switch Circuit (Chrysler, manufacturer-specific)
Severity: medium
What it means: A Chrysler code for the park/neutral position switch on the automatic transmission. The computer sees the switch signal stuck in Park/Neutral or in gear when it shouldn't be. It uses this signal to allow starting and torque converter lockup.
Safe to drive? Usually drivable, but you may get no-starts or erratic converter lockup (surging). Never bypass the switch; it keeps the car from starting in gear.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light
- No crank in Park (may crank in Neutral)
- Surging from erratic torque converter lockup
Likely causes, ranked
- Faulty or damaged park/neutral switchDIY or shop
- Damaged wiring or connector (often low and exposed)DIY or shop
- Shift cable out of adjustmentShop
Vehicle-specific notes
- 1995–1999 Plymouth Neon: On Car Talk, a 1998 Neon owner's P1899 came back after a new switch. It turned out to be a wire cut higher up in the harness. Read the full answer · Source
What it means: A Chrysler code for the park/neutral position switch on the automatic transmission. The computer sees the switch signal stuck in Park/Neutral or in gear when it shouldn't be. It uses this signal to allow starting and torque converter lockup.
Severity: Medium. Safe to drive? Usually drivable, but you may get no-starts or erratic converter lockup (surging). Never bypass the switch; it keeps the car from starting in gear.
DIY or shop?
DIY for checking the switch connector and wiring if you can get under the car safely; shop for circuit testing.
Before you replace parts
- Try starting in Neutral to see whether the switch is the problem.
- Look for curb or road damage at the switch and its wiring.
- Follow the wiring up the harness for cuts or breaks.
- Check shift cable adjustment before replacing the computer.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Never bypass the park/neutral switch; it prevents starting in gear. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.