Hi, all - thought I'd share my adventure replacing this part to save other DIYers the same headache.
The symptom is the same shared by others: car randomly would not start, doing so only after 2-3 tries or after shifting into neutral.
Getting to the switch was fairly easy and only took about ten minutes. Here are the relevant service manual steps available online:
1 - inhibitor switch replacement
2 - battery and tray removal
3 - air intake removal
I bought the replacement part (42700-26500) from Amazon, noting that it looked a little different. The mounting points and critical dimensions and spacings were the same, so I figured the part had simply been upgraded.
After installing it, however, the car wouldn't turn over (much less start) and the shift indicator in the dashboard was blank. I disassembled and re-did everything to check connections, but no change. I then reinstalled the old part and car started again (though still wonky).
Thinking the switch was bad, I bought another one locally. It looked different even than the other two, but part numbers and crtical measurements matched so I installed it - same result!
After more searching online, a fine-print note on a website solved the mystery. I have a very early, 2010-build Sonata, and the part was apparently changed early in production.
My car's part number is completely different (42700-3B000 or replacement 3B010), and is listed for Tuscons, Santa Fes, Azeras and some Kias. The parts stores and many online sites only listed the later part as being a compatible.
I have the right part coming in a couple of days. I'll update this if the problem persists.
The symptom is the same shared by others: car randomly would not start, doing so only after 2-3 tries or after shifting into neutral.
Getting to the switch was fairly easy and only took about ten minutes. Here are the relevant service manual steps available online:
1 - inhibitor switch replacement
2 - battery and tray removal
3 - air intake removal
I bought the replacement part (42700-26500) from Amazon, noting that it looked a little different. The mounting points and critical dimensions and spacings were the same, so I figured the part had simply been upgraded.
After installing it, however, the car wouldn't turn over (much less start) and the shift indicator in the dashboard was blank. I disassembled and re-did everything to check connections, but no change. I then reinstalled the old part and car started again (though still wonky).
Thinking the switch was bad, I bought another one locally. It looked different even than the other two, but part numbers and crtical measurements matched so I installed it - same result!
After more searching online, a fine-print note on a website solved the mystery. I have a very early, 2010-build Sonata, and the part was apparently changed early in production.
My car's part number is completely different (42700-3B000 or replacement 3B010), and is listed for Tuscons, Santa Fes, Azeras and some Kias. The parts stores and many online sites only listed the later part as being a compatible.
I have the right part coming in a couple of days. I'll update this if the problem persists.
