Faulty transmission range sensor (both sources). Loose or misadjusted range sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Damaged wiring or a loose, corroded or bent-pin connector (both sources); OBD-Codes.com notes the harness can short from rubbing on the shift linkage. Blocked internal valve body sensor port or a failed internal sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Defective valve body or manual shift valve linkage (RepairPal). Dirty transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (RepairPal). The sources differ a little: OBD-Codes.com focuses on the sensor, its adjustment and wiring, while RepairPal also lists the valve body, shift linkage and dirty fluid, and warns the code is sometimes misdiagnosed as an engine misfire, internal transmission or driveline problem.

Clean or repair the connector and any damaged wiring. Readjust a loose or misadjusted external range sensor. Replace the transmission range sensor (external sensors are usually a simple job per OBD-Codes.com; internal ones need the pan and valve body area opened). Repair the valve body, manual shift valve linkage or fluid problems if diagnosis points there (RepairPal).

P0705🔧 Transmission / Gear position sensingStop and fix promptly

P0705: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0705 mean?

P0705 means the engine or transmission computer is getting a wrong or missing signal from the transmission range sensor, the switch that tells it whether the shifter is in park, reverse, neutral, drive or a lower gear. Common causes are a failed, loose or misadjusted sensor and damaged wiring or connectors; on some newer transmissions the sensor sits inside the valve body, which makes the repair bigger. The transmission range sensor (TRS), also called the PRNDL input, and on some Fords the manual lever position sensor (MLPS), reports the gear selector position to the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM). RepairPal says it is attached to the transmission's manual valve and sets P0705 when the sensor's input is erratic or irrational. OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when the sensor sends an erroneous signal or none at all, for example when the sensor says park but the vehicle speed sensor shows the car moving. On many vehicles the sensor also works as the neutral safety switch that only lets the starter crank in park or neutral, and it may run the backup lights if it is mounted outside the transmission. OBD-Codes.com explains that external sensors are exposed to weather and tend to corrode with age and mileage, but are usually inexpensive and easy to replace, while later models with the sensor inside the valve body make the repair harder and more expensive. It is a generic OBD-II code (1996 and newer), though repair steps vary by make and model. Related codes are P0706 (range/performance), P0707 (circuit low), P0708 (circuit high) and P0709 (intermittent).

Q: Can I keep driving with P0705?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0705 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com says the car may refuse to crank, may only start in neutral, or may start in any gear, and the backup lights may stop working. A car that can start in gear can lurch when it fires up, so keep your foot on the brake and the parking brake set when starting, and don't rely on the backup lights to warn people behind you until it's fixed.

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0705 means

The transmission range sensor (TRS), also called the PRNDL input, and on some Fords the manual lever position sensor (MLPS), reports the gear selector position to the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM). RepairPal says it is attached to the transmission's manual valve and sets P0705 when the sensor's input is erratic or irrational. OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when the sensor sends an erroneous signal or none at all, for example when the sensor says park but the vehicle speed sensor shows the car moving. On many vehicles the sensor also works as the neutral safety switch that only lets the starter crank in park or neutral, and it may run the backup lights if it is mounted outside the transmission. OBD-Codes.com explains that external sensors are exposed to weather and tend to corrode with age and mileage, but are usually inexpensive and easy to replace, while later models with the sensor inside the valve body make the repair harder and more expensive. It is a generic OBD-II code (1996 and newer), though repair steps vary by make and model. Related codes are P0706 (range/performance), P0707 (circuit low), P0708 (circuit high) and P0709 (intermittent).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0705 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com says the car may refuse to crank, may only start in neutral, or may start in any gear, and the backup lights may stop working. A car that can start in gear can lurch when it fires up, so keep your foot on the brake and the parking brake set when starting, and don't rely on the backup lights to warn people behind you until it's fixed.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources)
Transmission may not shift properly, with irregular shift points or delayed engagement (both sources)
Vehicle may not go into gear (RepairPal)
Engine won't crank, only starts in neutral, needs the shifter wiggled to start, or starts in any gear (OBD-Codes.com)
Backup lights don't work (OBD-Codes.com)
Lower fuel economy (both sources)
Erratic instrument readings on some Toyota vehicles including trucks (OBD-Codes.com)
Occasionally no noticeable symptoms (RepairPal)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Faulty transmission range sensor (both sources)
Loose or misadjusted range sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Damaged wiring or a loose, corroded or bent-pin connector (both sources); OBD-Codes.com notes the harness can short from rubbing on the shift linkage
Blocked internal valve body sensor port or a failed internal sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Defective valve body or manual shift valve linkage (RepairPal)
Dirty transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (RepairPal)
The sources differ a little: OBD-Codes.com focuses on the sensor, its adjustment and wiring, while RepairPal also lists the valve body, shift linkage and dirty fluid, and warns the code is sometimes misdiagnosed as an engine misfire, internal transmission or driveline problem

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes and freeze frame data before clearing anything.
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle; there may be a known fix.
Find out whether your sensor is external or internal. OBD-Codes.com suggests looking the part up on an auto parts website: if it isn't listed, it's probably inside the transmission.
For an external sensor, with the wheels blocked, parking brake on and the transmission in neutral, unplug the connector and check both sides for corrosion, bent or pushed-out pins. OBD-Codes.com suggests a little dielectric grease before reconnecting.
Check that the harness isn't rubbing on the shift linkage and that the sensor isn't loose. Adjustment procedures differ by make (OBD-Codes.com describes swiveling the sensor until the backup lights come on, and a drill-bit alignment hole on Toyotas), so follow your vehicle's service manual.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition; RepairPal lists dirty fluid as a possible cause.

Typical fixes

Clean or repair the connector and any damaged wiring
Readjust a loose or misadjusted external range sensor
Replace the transmission range sensor (external sensors are usually a simple job per OBD-Codes.com; internal ones need the pan and valve body area opened)
Repair the valve body, manual shift valve linkage or fluid problems if diagnosis points there (RepairPal)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

The car starts in gear, won't start at all, or won't go into gear
The range sensor is inside the valve body; OBD-Codes.com says this needs a scan tool for diagnosis plus draining the transmission and removing the pan, and is best left to a transmission specialist
You've checked the external sensor and wiring and the code comes back
Shifting is harsh, delayed or erratic

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P0705 serious?

Treat it as serious. RepairPal rates it Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says the car may not start, may only start in neutral, or may start in any gear. Get it checked soon.

Can P0705 stop my car from starting?

Yes. On many vehicles the range sensor also acts as the neutral safety switch, and OBD-Codes.com lists a starter that won't engage, or only works in neutral or after wiggling the shifter, as symptoms.

Why did my backup lights stop working with P0705?

OBD-Codes.com says the backup lights may run through the transmission range sensor when it is mounted outside the transmission, so a failing sensor can knock them out.

How much does it cost to fix P0705?

Neither source gives a repair cost. OBD-Codes.com says external sensors are usually not an expensive repair, while sensors inside the valve body are harder and more costly, so get a diagnosis or a written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.