Trouble code P0851

[oldpro]

My check engine light came on this morning and the Auto Zone tech said it's "neutral switch input low." Might be a loose, short, or open circuit, a failed neutral switch, or a poor electrical connection. Hey; it's a 5-speed manual. I thought only AT's had a neutral safety switch. Where might such a switch be located on a MT?

[anarchy1024]

So, it looks like the MT has a Neutral Position Switch (whereas the AT has a Park/Neutral Position Switch). Diagram attached of what I think is for the 5MT.

I'll see if I can find the diag procedure for it. I remember that Part Source (and possibly AutoZone) used to print diagrams and instructions from some mechanic's software a while back. Do they still do that?

[anarchy1024]

Diag procedure for MT.

[oldpro]

Wow! Thanks so much for the info. I'll crawl under there this morning and check out what I can. Knowing where the switch is, is a big help. Depending on what I find, I may have to go to a "professional" for help or part replacement. I hope it's a loose connector.

[anarchy1024]

No problem, happy to help when I can. Let us know how things go.

[oldpro]

I called an independent Subaru repair shop and they told me to bring it in; they'd check the code, reset it, and I should drive it for awhile and see if it recurs. It did, and I'll take it back next week for them to do a more thorough diagnosis.