Anyone know how to test the neutral switch on my throttle assembly?

[atropine]

Cruising at 22mph with no ballast or wedge just now, felt like engine went into neutral and boat won’t move now.  Engine runs fine, revs up in neutral no problem, and when I put it into gear it seems to be moving the shift linkage properly.  But the driveshaft will not turn when I put it in gear and throttle up.  I originally suspected an internal failure in either the transmission or the v-drive, but a couple guys on the Facebook group suggested the neutral switch at the throttle assembly.  Problem is, I don’t know how to test that.... is there a way to “jumper” or bypass the switch?  There is a harness on the back of the throttle assembly that looks like it has about 5 pins in it....  

Fluid levels in both v-drive and transmission look fine and clean, no metal debris.  I just had them both serviced this spring- have put probably 50 hours on it since.  Anyone have any other thoughts? 2014 Axis A24, LS3 engine.  530 hours.

[csleaver]

The neutral safety switch is very likely on the transmission on your boat and only designed to prevent the starter from cranking when the boat is in gear.

If the fluid in the transmission is as the right level, the transmission linkage is moving properly, and the prop shaft is not moving, it is likely an internal issue with the transmission, a sheared key or bolts on the prop shaft coupler, or more likely a failed dampner drive plate on the engine flywheel.

[atropine]

9 minutes ago, csleaver said:

The neutral safety switch is very likely on the transmission on your boat and only designed to prevent the starter from cranking when the boat is in gear.

If the fluid in the transmission is as the right level, the transmission linkage is moving properly, and the prop shaft is not moving, it is likely an internal issue with the transmission, a sheared key or bolts on the prop shaft coupler, or more likely a failed dampner drive plate on the engine flywheel.

Gotcha.  Thank you.

[atropine]

I just got back from a week at Lake Powell- the last 3 days or so there, it seemed like the shift cable didn’t move as easily/smoothly as usual.  It just almost felt like it needed to be lubed.  Did this going both forward and in reverse.  But it did go into gear without a struggle and didn’t make any funny noises.  I just suspected something needed to be greased in the throttle assembly.  Maybe it was a sign of deeper problems in the transmission?

[csleaver]

Try removing the shift cable from the transmission and moving the shift lever on it by hand with the engine running to see if it shifts properly.  If it does shift normally without the cable attached, I would suspect a problem with the cable or helm control mechanism.  It could even be an outer cable housing that is not properly secured to the helm control or transmission bracket.

[atropine]

I just went out and had my son move the throttle/shifter while I sat In the back and watched.  Shift linkage on top of the trans is moving properly front and back as he shifts from forward to neutral to reverse.  But nothing moves below the v-drive.  Even the upper end of the v-drive/driveshaft coupling doesn’t move.  So likely a deeper trans/dampener problem like you mentioned.  Thank you