EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P0706 Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$90–$990
Do it yourself
Shop job
Shop time
0.5–3 hours

The sensor that tells the computer which position the shifter is in (P, R, N or D) is sending a signal, but it doesn't line up with a clear position. Often the sensor or shift cable is slightly out of adjustment, so it reads as being between two positions; a worn sensor is the other common cause.

How the engine computer detects it

The transmission range sensor (selector or multifunction switch, PRNDL) reports the selected range; it may be a multi-contact switch with a bit pattern per position, an analog sensor with two opposing voltages adding up to 5 V, or a contactless PWM sensor. Its second channel has its own codes (P2801–P2805). P0706 means the signal is present but implausible. Ford uses it per transmission: for its PWM sensor when the frequency leaves 100–175 Hz (nominal 125 Hz), for the 6F digital sensor when it stays in the transition zone between two positions. Saab's 9-5 (9650), whose sensor sits in the transmission module, flags a sum of the two opposing channels more than 0.29 V away from 5 V, with the lamp in the first trip; adaptations are frozen, the transmission holds 2nd gear in D and the engine may not restart after switch-off.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Check engine and/or transmission warning lamp
  • Transmission limp mode, fixed gear, harsh shifts
  • Starting problems in P/N or start interlock
  • Wrong gear indication, reversing light not working

Common causes

  1. Range sensor or transmission module with integrated sensor faulty Most likely
  2. Selector cable or sensor misadjusted (position between two ranges) Possible
  3. Contact resistance in sensor supply or ground Possible
  4. Moisture or oil in harness or connector Less likely

How to diagnose P0706

  1. With your foot on the brake and the parking brake set, move the shifter slowly through each position and check that the dash display matches it.
  2. If the engine won't start in Park, try Neutral. Starting in one but not the other points to a sensor that's out of adjustment.
  3. Check the shift cable and linkage at the transmission for looseness, a worn bushing or damage.
  4. A scanner that reads the transmission module shows which position the computer sees as you move the lever.
  5. Have the sensor adjusted or replaced as described in the service manual. On some cars it's built into the transmission module, which makes it a bigger repair.

Vehicles that report P0706 most

VehicleYearsReportsMedian miles
Ford F-1502014–201743114k
Audi A42003–2008313k
Chevrolet Tahoe20213—
Ford Expedition2015–20173—

Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0706 (56 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE) code
7
Transmission
06
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P0706?

If the car shifts normally, drive gently to a shop. If it's stuck in one gear, won't start, or the gear display doesn't match the shifter, have it towed. Until it's fixed, set the parking brake every time you park.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0706?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Often reported together

Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0706. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.