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Diagnostic reference

Transmission Range Sensor

Reports the driver's selected transmission range.

Diagnostic details

Purpose

Transmission range information is used for starting authorization, reverse operation, shift strategy, PRNDL display and other vehicle functions.

Scan tool data

  • PRNDL status
  • Individual range-switch states when available
  • Commanded gear

Failure symptoms

  • No-crank condition
  • Incorrect PRNDL display
  • Starts in an incorrect range
  • Transmission failsafe
  • Range sensor DTCs

Related DTCs

  • P0705 – Transmission Range Sensor Circuit
  • P0706 – Transmission Range Sensor Range/Performance
  • P0707 – Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low
  • P0708 – Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High

Diagnostic tips

  • Compare scan-tool range with actual selector position.
  • Inspect shift linkage or cable adjustment where applicable.
  • Some range sensors require calibration or adjustment.

Construction & type-specific testing

Identify the installed design before testing. Construction, signal format and redundant channels are separate attributes; use only the procedure for the actual component.

Contact / Switch Type

Uses electrical contacts or switches to identify selector position.

Operating principle

  • Different contacts close in different selector positions.
  • The control module interprets the combination of circuit states as the selected range.

Circuit identification

Multiple circuits

Wiring

  • Individual range circuits
  • Common power or ground depending on design

Expected readings

  • Switch states should correspond exactly to selector position.

Multimeter testing

  • Check continuity only according to the wiring diagram.
  • Compare circuit states with manufacturer specifications.

Oscilloscope setup

  • Usually unnecessary for basic switch diagnosis.

Oscilloscope testing

  • A scope may help catch intermittent contact loss during selector movement.

Waveform interpretation

Switch-type range sensors are normally evaluated by circuit states rather than a repeating waveform.

Common failures

  • Worn contacts
  • Incorrect adjustment
  • Connector corrosion
  • Shift linkage problems

Diagnostic tips

  • Do not adjust or replace the sensor before checking the mechanical selector system.
Non-Contact Position Sensor

Uses magnetic or electronic sensing to determine selector position.

Operating principle

  • A magnetic or electronic target changes with selector position.
  • Electronics determine the selected range without conventional mechanical switch contacts.

Circuit identification

Varies by design

Wiring

  • Power/reference
  • Ground
  • Signal or network communication

Expected readings

  • Reported range should agree with physical selector position.

Multimeter testing

  • Verify power and ground where accessible.
  • Use scan data for integrated or networked designs.

Oscilloscope setup

  • Depends on whether the sensor uses analog, digital or network communication.

Oscilloscope testing

  • Monitor the appropriate signal only after identifying the circuit type.

Waveform interpretation

Signal characteristics depend on the specific non-contact sensor design.

Common failures

  • Internal sensor fault
  • Power or ground fault
  • Communication fault
  • Mechanical selector misalignment

Diagnostic tips

  • Scan data is often the fastest way to determine whether the module sees the correct range.