P0706
Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 7
- AreaTransmission
- 06
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0706 is the generic code for a range or performance problem in the transmission range sensor A circuit. The sensor, often called the PRNDL switch or neutral safety switch, tells the control unit which gear position the selector is in. The code sets when that signal is implausible, for example when it does not match the selector position, vehicle speed, or the signal from the other range sensor inputs.
Symptoms
- Gear selector position shown on the dash is wrong or flickers
- Engine will not start in Park or Neutral, or starts in other gears
- Harsh, delayed or erratic gear engagement
- Transmission stuck in one gear or in limp mode
- Reversing lights not working or staying on
- Malfunction indicator lamp or transmission warning lamp on
Possible causes
- Transmission range sensor out of adjustment or worn internallylikely
- Selector cable or linkage stretched, loose or misadjusted so the sensor does not match the actual gearlikely
- Damaged wiring, corroded or loose connector at the range sensorlikely
- Fluid ingress or contamination at the sensor or connectorpossible
- Faulty valve body or internal manual valve not following the selector, depending on transmission typepossible
- Degraded or dirty transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages, on some designspossible
- Fault in the transmission control unit or its softwarerare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting gear selected, speed and when the fault set, then check for related codes
- Compare the selector position shown on the dash and in live data with the actual lever position in each range
- Inspect the selector cable, linkage and mounting for wear, looseness or damage, and check it aligns with the gear position on the transmission
- Inspect the range sensor wiring and connector for chafing, corrosion, water, oil contamination and bent or loose pins
- Watch the range sensor live data while moving the selector through every position and look for dropouts or incorrect readings
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition against the manufacturer's procedure
- Check the sensor supply, signal and earth circuits with a multimeter against the manufacturer's wiring data
- Check for service information, software updates or known faults for the specific model and transmission
How to fix
- Adjust the range sensor and selector linkage to the manufacturer's specification
- Repair or replace the damaged wiring or connector and clean up any contamination
- Replace the faulty transmission range sensor
- Replace or adjust the stretched or worn selector cable or linkage
- Correct the fluid level or service the fluid and filter where it is contaminated, following the manufacturer's procedure
- Repair the valve body or internal components if testing shows an internal fault, and update the control unit software only where an outdated version is a known cause
Can I keep driving?
The car may drive, but the transmission could go into limp mode, shift harshly or fail to start, so have it fixed soon. Avoid driving if the gear position is unreliable, as this can cause unexpected engagement or transmission damage.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.