P0706 medium Severity

P0706: Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance

May cause incorrect gear identification, improper or no shifting, and potential safety concerns starting outside park/neutral

Overview

P0706 indicates a range or performance fault in the Transmission Range Sensor (also known as neutral safety/PRNDL switch) circuit. It triggers when sensor output voltage does not fall within expected parameters for gear selection, affecting transmission operation.

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light illumination
  • Erratic or failed gear shifts
  • Inability to start in park/neutral
  • Transmission stuck in one gear or limp mode
  • Unexpected gear selection

Most Common Causes

Faulty transmission range sensor (TRS) high

Sensor fails to report correct gear position voltage range

Damaged or corroded wiring/connectors in sensor circuit high

Open circuits, shorts, or poor connections lead to out-of-range signal

Misadjusted transmission range sensor medium

Incorrect sensor indexing leads to incorrect voltage outputs

Transmission control module (TCM)/PCM fault low

Rare but possible unit input driver failure or corrupted calibration

Valve body or internal transmission issues affecting sensor performance low

Internal mechanical/hydraulic issues may indirectly affect readings

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Connect OBD-II scanner and verify P0706 with live data
    Expected: Sensor output voltages change logically when shifting through gears
    Interpretation: Consistent out-of-range data confirms sensor circuit performance fault
  2. Visually inspect transmission range sensor, wiring harness, and connectors
    Expected: No damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring
    Interpretation: Presence of damage suggests wiring repair before further testing
  3. Test sensor voltage at TRS while moving gear selector
    Expected: Voltage values reflect expected ranges for Park/Neutral/Drive
    Interpretation: Deviations indicate sensor or circuit issue
  4. Check for correct sensor alignment/indexing per manufacturer spec
    Expected: Sensor aligned so gearbox manual valve and sensor correlate
    Interpretation: Misalignment can trigger false performance errors
  5. If wiring and sensor pass tests, evaluate TCM/PCM inputs
    Expected: Reference and signal circuits functioning with correct voltages
    Interpretation: Faulty TCM/PCM may need specialized diagnostics or replacement

Repair Solutions

Replace transmission range sensor medium
Estimated Cost: $150 - $450

Often primary fix; calibration/alignment may be required

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Fix shorts, corrosion, open circuits

Adjust sensor alignment/indexing medium
Estimated Cost: $0 - $100

Simple adjustment if misaligned

Replace/repair TCM or PCM hard
Estimated Cost: $800 - $1500

Rare; requires professional service

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Engine misfire or driveline fault misattributed instead of transmission range sensor issue

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of the P0706 engine code?

The P0706 code stands for Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance. This generally indicates an issue with the Sensors system.

Should I stop driving if I have P0706?

With a severity level of medium, may cause incorrect gear identification, improper or no shifting, and potential safety concerns starting outside park/neutral

Symptoms associated with DTC P0706

The most typical signs are: Check Engine Light illumination, Erratic or failed gear shifts, Inability to start in park/neutral.

What parts fail when P0706 is set?

It can be caused by several factors, most notably: Faulty transmission range sensor (TRS), Damaged or corroded wiring/connectors in sensor circuit, Misadjusted transmission range sensor.

What is the price difference for fixing P0706?

Expect to pay around $100 if the issue is a Adjust sensor alignment/indexing, but up to $1500 if the Replace/repair TCM or PCM needs replacement.

What cars are affected by the P0706 code?

P0706 is not specific to any one brand. It can appear on Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and other vehicles.

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