Find Out More About The Transmission Range Sensor

TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR

The PCM determines the position of the transmission shifter using the transmission range sensor (TR) and transmission position sensor (TPS). This data is used by the PCM to determine which transmission gears should be enabled or disabled. When the TR sensor fails, it might result in incorrect gear selection, no upshifts, or a feeling of the vehicle sliding out of gear.

3 Common Symptoms of a Faulty Transmission Range Sensor

3.( The car will not move from its parked position.

When your car won’t shift out of neutral or park, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the transition system. The Powertrain Control Module, or PCM, may no longer receive the correct signals from a failed gearbox position sensor. The PCM will no longer know when to move the transmission’s gears out of park into a moving gear without signals from the position sensor.

2.) The transmission selects the incorrect gear.

The PCM and the transmission position sensor work together to allow the automatic gearbox to choose the appropriate gear for different speeds and driving circumstances. You may notice that your engine stalls out or revs suddenly when your transmission switches into the wrong gear. If your gearbox’s gear selection and gear ratios are consistently off, have your mechanic check the quality of your transmission position sensor.

3.) The car is stuck in only one gear.

Many contemporary automobiles include failsafe systems that prohibit the gearbox from shifting gears if there is a mechanical or electrical problem. Your gearbox may become stuck in an unchanging gear if your transmission position sensor fails. This is known as “limp mode,” and a car that has gone into limp mode is experiencing serious transmission problems. Fortunately, your mechanic will be able to repair your transmission position sensor and return it to working order, restoring complete functioning to your gearbox.

 

Common Location Transmission Range Sensor

The transmission range sensor is sometimes referred to as the neutral safety switch or the PRNDL input. Its duty is to interact with the transmission control module (TCM) or the powertrain control module (PCM). It is located outside the transmission box or on the valve body.

Transmission range Sensor Location

5 OBD DTC Code Related to Transmission Range Sensor

1.) P0709 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent is the definition of the OBD DTC P0709 code. If the transmission range sensor is unable to determine the gear the vehicle is in, it will be unable to instruct the engine on fuel delivery, RPM, timing, and other activities.

What causes the P0709 code?

A misaligned transmission range sensor is the most prevalent cause of this issue. This is frequently caused by transmission repairs in which the transmission range sensor is not properly adjusted. A malfunctioning range sensor, a faulty park/neutral switch, or shorted or damaged wiring or connectors are all possible culprits.

2.) P0708 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input

DTC Trouble Code Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input. The presence of a P0708 diagnostic trouble code means that the transmission range sensor/neutral safety switch is sending the wrong signals back to the ECM.

What are the causes of the P0708 code?

  • A misadjusted transmission range sensor
  • A faulty transmission range sensor
  • Damaged or disconnected wiring that is associated with the transmission range sensor
  • A faulty ECM

3.) P0707 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low Input

The DTC P0707 diagnostic trouble code means the transmission range sensor circuit has low voltage input. The ECU looks for a specific range of voltage in the transmission range sensor, and when the voltage input is low, the ECU sets a Check Engine Light on the dashboard.

What causes the P0707 code?

  • Transmission range sensor has failed
  • Open or short in the wiring harness
  • Park/neutral position switch has failed
  • Poor electrical connection
  • Misadjusted transmission park/neutral position switch

4.) P0706 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance is the definition of OBD DTC P0706. This indicates that the transmission range circuit is not effectively transferring data to the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control module in other vehicle makes).

What Causes the P0706 Code?

  • Dirty or poor quality transmission fluid
  • Damaged or defective park/neutral position switch
  • Damaged or improperly adjusted park/neutral position switch
  • Damaged or defective transmission range sensor
  • Damaged, defective, or shorted wiring to the transmission range sensor
  • Damaged or defective valve body
  • Damaged or faulty manual shift valve linkage
  • Shorted or open park/neutral position switch harness
  • Bad electrical connection to the park/neutral position switch circuit
  • Damaged or defective control cable
  • Damaged or defective ECM (rare)

5.) P0705 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit malfunction (PRNDL Input)

OBD DTC P0705 is a diagnostic fault code that stands for “Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input).” It is triggered when the transmission range sensor is unable to relay data to the transmission control (TCM) or powertrain control (PCM) modules.

What causes the P0705 code?

  • Open or short in the TRS circuit
  • Faulty TRS
  • Faulty ECM or TCM
  • Misadjusted shift linkage
  • Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid
  • Faulty transmission valve body

 

Thank you very much! This tutorial is humbly made and researched by Erwin Salarda.