What is a transmission range sensor?

PillowPants · 03-29-2008, 12:44 PM

when the engine is not at temp and I drive in the D position on the shifter I can usually get a CEL and the code comes up as transmission range sensor when I get it checked at autozone. Also when the light first comes on, the torque converter won't lock when it get to high rpm in 3rd. If I turn the car off and then on, it will then lock up but the CEL stays on for a few days. If I let it warm up then drive it I never get the light to come on. help?

PillowPants · 03-31-2008, 09:00 PM

bump still looking for answer

cheapfix · 03-31-2008, 11:40 PM

"Transmission range sensor" = neutral safety switch maybe??

Also: TC lockup (I think) is speed dependent (will not lock up under about 40mph), so maybe a problem with the speed sensor on the transfer case?

Not sure how the temperature is playing in to this problem...

Have you done any transmission work recently? I would start with a troublshoot of the NSS (haynes manual has a good procedure), then check the speed sensor connection... sorry I can't be of more help, but I am just throwing two cents out there.

bikedude189 · 03-31-2008, 11:58 PM

sounds like the sensor that activates the "part time" light when in 4x. not sure why that might throw a code tho...

cheapfix · 04-01-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikedude189

sounds like the sensor that activates the "part time" light when in 4x. not sure why that might throw a code tho...

Yeah, "range" sensor sounds more like transfer case - it could be included in the engine ECU and trans control unit loops to prevent the TC from going into lockup for some reason - not wanting to lockup while running in part-time 4WD mode, maybe?

PillowPants · 04-01-2008, 06:35 PM

the code is TRANSMISSION range sensor........
well I know it locks up the TC (torque converter) at around 45 ( in D) if I am keeping the pedal constant. I don't drive in 4x4 mode at all unless it calls for it. I am wondering if this is the same thing as a neutral safety switch. and maybe the connections inside the switch are going bad and that the heat of the engine running and trans getting warm allows the connections to work better. its a sure thing to come on if I put it in D and drive it from a fresh start and the engine is not at temp, usually within 1-2 minutes. If I put it in the 3rd gear position I can drive around until temp and it will never come on

. when the CEL comes on the first time and when I get to 45 or shall I say even highway speed it will not lock the torque converter (Over Drive) until I switch the key off and on again. of course the CEL will stay on until it goes out after a set number of cycles or miles it seems. I don't think this related to a transfer case problem at all I gotta say but if there is a jeep tech here I'm open to theories.

SteveJcoYJ · 04-01-2008, 11:55 PM

i had the same code come up when i ran it at auto zone

i brought it to my tech class the day after an ran it through the modis an ran testes with that, it came out as being a bad neutral safety switch, the switch was so clogged up with mud that the contacts on the inside were boggered

I took the whole switch out, cleaned it out really well an put it back in, hasn't stopped working yet

A way to check is to see if your reverse lights come on when your in reverse, if they don't the switch is definitely bad. All the switch does it tell the comp what gear you've selected with the shifter ( there only on automatics) sometimes it may be drive thats bad, sometimes it may be reverse, or park, but i would do the general reverse test first. There a bit of a pain in the *** to get out, new there about 250$, on ebay you can score one for less then half that. I justs didn't bother with a replace an just repaired

hope this helps

cheapfix · 04-02-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapfix

"Transmission range sensor" = neutral safety switch maybe??

Run the diagnostic procedure on the NSS when the vehicle is cold, then again when it is warm and see what you come up with!

SteveJcoYJ · 04-03-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapfix

Run the diagnostic procedure on the NSS when the vehicle is cold, then again when it is warm and see what you come up with!

the switch is a plastic piece with copper contacts along the shifter, it won't make a difference

KLRTom · 04-03-2008, 12:34 PM

Chances are you are actually getting two codes:P0700 and P0705. I believe P0700 is the general transmission code and P0705 is the transmission range code. Your problem is almost certainly a bad neutral safety switch. You can get a new one for $275 or more or you can take the old one apart and clean it up in about 30 minutes. Search this forum for the procedure.