Transmission

P0706 — Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0706 means

The transmission range sensor (also called the neutral safety switch or PRNDL switch) tells the control unit which gear position is selected: P, R, N, D and so on. The unit uses it to allow engine starting, switch on the reverse lights and choose shift strategy. P0706 is set when the sensor signal falls outside the expected range or doesn't agree with the selected gear.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Harsh, erratic or missing shifts
  • Engine won't start in park/neutral, or starts in other gears
  • Transmission stuck in one gear or in limp mode
  • Gear indicator on the dash shows the wrong position
  • Delayed engagement when shifting into gear
  • Transmission warning light on

Possible causes

  1. Faulty transmission range sensor
  2. Damaged wiring or corroded connector at the sensor
  3. Sensor out of adjustment relative to the shift lever
  4. Worn shift linkage or cable
  5. Faulty transmission control module (TCM) or PCM
  6. Internal transmission problems affecting sensor readings

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and save the freeze-frame data
  2. Compare the selected gear with the range sensor reading in live data
  3. Check the shifter linkage and its mounting for play or wear
  4. Inspect the sensor connector and harness for corrosion, moisture, chafing or breaks
  5. Test the sensor's power, ground and signal circuits with a multimeter per the wiring diagram
  6. Verify sensor alignment using the marks or the service procedure
  7. Check transmission fluid level and condition
  8. If the sensor and wiring are good, test the TCM

Common fixes

  • Clean the connector terminals and repair damaged wiring
  • Adjust the range sensor position
  • Replace the transmission range sensor
  • Replace worn shift linkage or bushings
  • Repair or replace the TCM or PCM as a last resort

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0706 code?

Only briefly and carefully, for example to a repair shop. The transmission may drop into limp mode or shift badly, and the engine may not restart after you stop.

What most often causes P0706?

Most often a worn or misadjusted range sensor, or a corroded connector or damaged wiring. Start with a visual inspection and an adjustment check.

Can I just clear the P0706 code?

Clearing it may turn off the light for a while. If the cause isn't fixed, the code will return and the transmission will keep misbehaving.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.