P0706

Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

P0706 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. It is logged by the engine control unit when the trans monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P0706
Group
Powertrain
System
Trans
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P0706 means

P0706 is set when the TCM or PCM detects that the signal from Transmission Range Sensor A — commonly called the PRNDL switch or neutral-safety switch — is outside the expected range for the gear position currently commanded or indicated. The sensor translates the physical position of the gear selector into an electrical signal the TCM uses for shift logic, torque management, and starter inhibit control.

The fault is distinguished from a pure open/short circuit code (P0705) because P0706 specifically flags a range/performance issue: the signal is present but irrational — for example, the sensor reports two valid gear positions simultaneously, or transitions between positions erratically while the vehicle is stationary. This commonly results from a worn or misadjusted shift-cable/linkage, internal wear on the multi-function switch, or contamination inside the sensor body.

Left unresolved, the TCM may fall back to a fixed gear strategy (limp mode), the starter may not crank in Park or Neutral as the controller cannot confirm a safe selector position, and torque converter lock-up strategies can behave erratically.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P0706 is logged.

  • 1
    Faulty or worn Transmission Range Sensor A (multi-function switch / PRNDL switch)
  • 2
    Misadjusted, stretched, or worn gear-selector cable or mechanical linkage
  • 3
    Corroded, damaged, or loose wiring connector at the transmission range sensor
  • 4
    Open or short circuit in the sensor signal, reference, or ground wire
  • 5
    Contamination or moisture ingress inside the sensor housing causing erratic output
  • 6
    Internal transmission mechanical wear affecting selector shaft position accuracy
  • 7
    Faulty TCM/PCM (rare — rule out all external causes first)

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL (Check Engine Light) illuminated
Vehicle will not crank in Park or Neutral (starter inhibit relay disabled)
Harsh, delayed, or incorrect automatic gear shifts
Transmission defaults to limp-home mode (fixed gear)
Reverse lights illuminated in the wrong gear selector position
Speedometer or gear-position display shows incorrect or erratic reading

How to diagnose P0706

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Scan all modules for DTCs and record freeze-frame data; note any related P07xx shift-solenoid or speed-sensor codes
  2. 2
    Inspect the gear-selector linkage or cable for wear, misadjustment, or breakage and adjust or replace per OEM spec
  3. 3
    Visually inspect the transmission range sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, pushed-back pins, or chafing
  4. 4
    With a DVOM or lab scope, verify the sensor reference voltage (~5 V), ground, and signal output voltage in each selector position against OEM specification
  5. 5
    Perform a functional test with a scan tool: manually step through P-R-N-D-L and confirm TCM reported position matches actual selector position in live data
  6. 6
    If signal is erratic or out of spec, replace the Transmission Range Sensor A and re-test; re-adjust linkage if required after replacement
  7. 7
    Clear DTCs, perform a complete drive cycle, and confirm no retest failure before returning the vehicle

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with a P0706 code active?

Short distances may be possible, but the vehicle may not start reliably in Park/Neutral and can enter limp mode without warning. Avoid driving until the fault is diagnosed, especially if the starter inhibit is affected.

Is P0706 the same as P0705?

No. P0705 indicates a complete circuit failure (open or short) on the transmission range sensor, while P0706 indicates the circuit is functional but producing an irrational or out-of-range signal — often caused by mechanical wear or misadjustment rather than a wiring break.

Will replacing the transmission range sensor always fix P0706?

Not always. If the gear-selector linkage is misadjusted, a new sensor will fail in the same way. Always inspect and adjust the mechanical linkage first and only replace the sensor if the linkage is correct and the sensor output is still erratic.

Can low transmission fluid cause P0706?

Indirectly. Low fluid can cause erratic valve-body behaviour that mimics a selector position problem, but P0706 is primarily an electrical/mechanical sensor code. Check fluid level and condition as part of a baseline inspection, but focus the diagnosis on the sensor and its linkage.

Disabling P0706 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P0706 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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