91 camry replacing neutral safety switch

My back-up lights quit working and I took it to the dealer to find out what was wrong. They told me that the "neutral safety switch" was bad and I need to replace it. They told me it was going to cost $275 for this stupid little switch.

I called an auto parts store and found what I think is the same part for only $135. I'm not sure where the part is located on the car, but I think I can replace it myself.

Has anyone ever replaced this part before and have some words of wisdom? Where is it located on the car (my guess is under the shifter handle?)? Do I need a professional to do this?

Thanks for any words of wisdom!

Well, not necessarily need a professional if you have some basic maintenance experience.

If you look at the engine compartment from the front of the car, the switch is located at right side, very close to the radiator, close to the bottom of the car. You will see the shifting cable as well as an electronic connector on it. You can try if you shift, the cable will rotate the arm on the switch.

According to my experience, it's not easy for the switch to go bad, it may just need some alignment so the switch angle is zeroed in wrt the contact points. There is a line on the switch for alignment purpose.

I am not sure if the backup light is out totally no matter what or it may come on if you shake the shifter a little. If it's the latter, then it's very likely that you just need to align the switch. Also, check the bulbs, just to make sure, although the chances that 2 bulbs got burnt at the same time is small. Just check these easy and cheap fixes before you jump on the expensive ones.

To replace it is not difficult at all, once you located it, you will see. You can get a used one at junk yard, I believe it will be much much cheaper.

The reverse lights don't work at all now. I used to be able to giggle the shifter and the lights would come on. Now they don't.

I've found the switch. (Thanks for your guidance!) Do I need a special tool to realign the switch?

Thanks for all your help ProMan!

No, if I remember right, you just need to loosen 2 bolts or nuts so you can turn the switch and align it. Try to borrow a Chilton repair manual from the library. That would explain more clearly. Good luck.