The neutral safety switch on a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe prevents the transmission from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal is depressed. On the 1997 Tahoe, this switch is a part of the back up light switch and is located on the transmission. If your Tahoe won't shift out of park, then you need to replace the neutral safety switch on the transmission. Once you do this, the SUV should be able to shift correctly.
Pop the hood and remove the negative connection on the battery with an open-end wrench. Lift the Tahoe and put it on jack stands to support the entire body.
Crawl underneath the truck by the transmission. Remove the shift cable end from the shift control lever with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then unbolt the shift control lever from the manual shaft on the transmission.
Unplug the harness from the switch using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Take out the switch retainers with the ratchet and then pull the switch out from the transmission.
Install GM Tool J-41364-A into the neutral safety switch and rotate the tool until the slot on the top of the neutral safety switch is aligned with the pin on GM Tool J-41364-A. Slide the switch into the transmission, making sure that the hub flats and manual shift flats align. Install the switch retainers using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Plug the harness into the switch using your hands. Reinstall the control lever and shift cable to the transmission with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the negative terminal on the battery with an open-end wrench.
