Can this prevent my car from starting?

Yes. The range sensor is part of the neutral safety circuit. If the computer does not see Park or Neutral, it will not allow the starter to operate on most vehicles.

Is P0705 a common transmission problem?

Yes, especially on high-mileage vehicles. The sensor is on the outside of the transmission and the adjustment drifts over time.

Can I adjust the sensor myself?

Adjustment is possible on most vehicles with basic hand tools. The procedure varies by make and model. Look up the specific adjustment procedure before attempting it.

Codes › P0705

P0705: The transmission cannot read which gear you have selected

Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)

High severityCan you keep driving?

Drive with caution to a shop only. The transmission may not know it is in park, which means the starter could engage in gear or the car could roll unexpectedly. Some vehicles will not start with this code.

What it means

The transmission range sensor (also called the neutral safety switch or TR sensor) tells the TCM and PCM which gear the shifter is in: Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low. It is also the safety circuit that allows the starter to operate only in Park or Neutral. P0705 means the circuit is giving a signal the computer cannot interpret as a valid gear position. This is a safety-relevant code because the car may not know it is in Park. Some vehicles will allow the engine to start in any position with this fault, which is dangerous.

Common causes

Out-of-adjustment transmission range sensorThe most common cause. The sensor shifts position over time and the adjustment is off.
Faulty transmission range sensorInternal failure of the sensor producing an invalid or missing signal.
Damaged wiring or connector at the range sensorLocated on the transmission case, often exposed to heat and contamination.
Internal valve body or shift linkage issueIf the linkage does not actually move the transmission selector to the position indicated, the sensor reads incorrectly.

What it costs

Range sensor adjustment$80 to $150
Transmission range sensor replacement$150 to $400
Wiring or connector repair$80 to $250

Symptoms

Transmission stuck in limp mode (usually second or third gear)
No start from Park or Neutral
Backup lights inoperative
Check engine and transmission warning lights on
Speedometer may not work on some vehicles

What to do next

Check whether the car starts normally or is in limp mode. If the car will not start at all, try starting in Neutral. If it starts in Neutral but not Park, the sensor is likely misadjusted or failed. A shop with a transmission scanner can see the exact gear position the sensor is reporting and compare it to the actual shifter position.

Lewis reads the transmission range sensor position signal from the TCM live data so you can see what gear the computer thinks the car is in versus where the shifter actually is. Download Lewis.

FAQ

Can this prevent my car from starting?: Yes. The range sensor is part of the neutral safety circuit. If the computer does not see Park or Neutral, it will not allow the starter to operate on most vehicles.
Is P0705 a common transmission problem?: Yes, especially on high-mileage vehicles. The sensor is on the outside of the transmission and the adjustment drifts over time.
Can I adjust the sensor myself?: Adjustment is possible on most vehicles with basic hand tools. The procedure varies by make and model. Look up the specific adjustment procedure before attempting it.