I'll save you part of your search: Just see this thread.Originally Posted by Ikkesh
The transmission mode selection switch is a vaugly armadillo- or croissant-looking thing hanging off the side of the transmission. It tells the computer what gear you're in. However, the switch is located right beside an exhaust pipe. The heat eventually causes the switch to fail.
Aside from the SLAM, also look for the PRNDL indicators on the dashboard to get all freaked out for a few seconds and have the OBDII codes checked. When the switch fails, it sends random information to the computer. The computer decides to play it safe and assumes that you're in "D" after about 5 seconds, but sets the transmission really stiff, just to be safe. It records a P0705 error code, but doesn't turn on the check engine light.
See pages 7A-30 and 7A1-30 in the IV00_01.pdf file, available from Tone.
This is a common failure, and the part is pretty easy to find. It is part 8-96017-511-0 "SWITCH ASM; POSITION". The place I got mine called it a "Neutral Safety Switch", but it might also be a MODE SWITCH or TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH. It lists for $184 (Yikes!), but you shouldn't pay more than $120 for it. Or, I should say, if you pay much less than $120 for it, I'm going to feel really stupid. I wouldn't recommend used parts for this one.
Some people recommend some exhaust tape on the pipe near the switch to protect the new switch from heat. I haven't done that, yet... but I intend to!
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