01 Max SE 5-speed manual, replacing PNP switch

[01MaximaSE]

01 Maxima SE with 5 speed manual transmission is giving me a 1706 error code and also the backup lights are intermittent, which all points to the PNP (park-neutral position) switch failing. Looking at service manual for the manual transmission, the PNP switch is mounted low on the transmission case driver's side. It has a 4-pin connector that closes pins 1-2 in reverse, pins 3-4 in neutral, and is open for all other gear selections. I bought a replacement switch from my dealer, and now to install it. The switch has a round face with multiple contacts. This piece looks fairly straighforward to remove and reinstall from the outside of the case. There is also a movable plate that appears to attach to some component inside the transmission and moves with the shift selector. This is part #16 from the transmission diagram that I'm trying to attach (not very good at this). Appears that this slides across the face of the switch to make up the various contacts depending on position of the gear selector. This is the best diagram I can find, and it is short on details of how the movable plate attaches inside the transmission and if it can be replaced through the PNP switch hole, without completely opening the case. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!

[centralcoaster33]

Hi and welcome to NicoClub. You can get the rest of those diagrams and all the info that comes with them from the FSM (Factory Service Manual). We have your's for viewing or download here: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/2001/

After staring at your picture a while it just seems you'll snap the switch into the board, or they'll just be in contact with each-other. You will not be able to do much with the board through that hole, short of maybe slide it around. I don't think you'll need to. Anyway, read up further into the MT chapter for instruction.

[01MaximaSE]

For future reference of others, the #16 "moveable plate assy" can be fished out and replaced through the PNP switch hole. The most difficult part of the job was getting access to the wiring harness and connector that sits on top of the transmission under the air box and a bunch of other stuff.