P1713
Neutral signal to engine ECU fault
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
Fluid temp. snsr ct-high input
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
Neutral signal to engine ECU fault
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
TFT Sensor In Range Failure Low Value
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
Transmission fluid temperature sensor in range failure
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
TFT Sensor In Range Failure Low Value
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
TFT Sensor In Range Failure Low Value
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
Fault status
Similar codes
P1713
TFT Sensor In Range Failure Low Value
Causes
- Faulty neutral (gear position) switch on the transmission
- Damaged wiring harness (open, short to battery or ground) between neutral switch and engine ECU
- Corroded or loose connector at the neutral switch or ECU
- Poor or missing ground or reference voltage to the neutral switch circuit
- Intermittent connection from vibration or damaged pins
- Faulty engine ECU input circuit (internal)
Symptoms
- Neutral lamp/indicator incorrect or not switching when gearbox in neutral
- Starter inhibited or engine will only start in certain gear positions
- DTC P1713 stored (may be accompanied by other transmission/PRNDL codes)
- Intermittent starting issues or no-start in expected conditions
- Possible limp or reduced functionality related to safety interlocks
What to check
- Read all stored and pending codes; record freeze-frame and related codes (transmission, immobilizer, battery voltage)
- Visual inspection of neutral switch wiring, connectors and transmission harness for damage, corrosion or pin push-out
- Check relevant fuses and shared power/ground circuits
- Backprobe neutral switch connector and ECU input with connector connected while operating gear selector
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring signal for intermittent changes
- Measure continuity and resistance between neutral switch and ECU connector with ignition off
Signal parameters
- Expected idle/default state and active state depend on vehicle wiring — typically a switched logic level (0 V when closed to ground, or approximately +5 V/12 V when opened) — consult Alfa Romeo wiring for exact levels
- With ignition ON and transmission in neutral: neutral input should change state compared with other gears; typical logic thresholds: low 4 V for 5 V logic circuits (verify with wiring diagram)
- No-signal: open circuit or infinite resistance between switch and ECU
- Intermittent: fluctuating voltage when backprobing while moving selector between gears
- Reference supply (if used): stable supply voltage (often 5 V or ignition-switched 12 V) present at the switch connector pin
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data using a capable scan tool. Note any related transmission or immobilizer codes.
- Perform a visual inspection of the neutral switch, its mounting, linkage adjustment, and wiring harness for obvious damage or corrosion.
- Identify the neutral switch and ECU pins from the vehicle wiring diagram; check connector security and pin condition.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the neutral switch connector and observe the signal while selecting neutral and other gears. Verify the signal changes as expected.
- Backprobe the corresponding ECU input pin (with harness connected) and confirm the ECU sees the same signal. Compare to expected voltage levels from wiring diagram.
- If the signal is missing at the ECU but present at the switch, test continuity between switch and ECU connector and inspect for short to ground/battery.
- If the signal is missing at the switch, check reference supply and ground at the switch. Repair open/shorts or bad grounds as found.
- If intermittent signal occurs, perform a wiggle test on wiring/connector while monitoring voltage; repair/replace damaged sections or connectors.
- If wiring and switch test good, consider replacing the neutral switch and re-test. After replacement, clear codes and verify operation.
- If new switch and wiring are good but fault persists at the ECU input, suspect ECU input circuit fault — verify with manufacturer guidance and consider ECU repair/replacement or consult dealer-level diagnostics.
- After repairs, clear codes, perform functional test (start/gear selection), and road-test to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Wiring/connector fault between neutral switch and engine ECU (most common)
- Failed/dirty neutral switch or misadjusted mechanical linkage
- Bad ground or reference feed for the neutral input
- Intermittent contact at multi-way connector (corrosion, bent pins)
- Less likely: internal ECU input failure
