Faulty transmission range sensor (both sources). Misadjusted transmission range sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Open or shorted range sensor harness, or a bad connector (both sources). Defective valve body or manual shift valve linkage (RepairPal). Dirty transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (RepairPal). Faulty PCM, which OBD-Codes.com says would be very rare. OBD-Codes.com says in its experience the code is most common on four-wheel-drive trucks that have been off-road and damaged the range sensor or its harness; RepairPal warns the code can be misdiagnosed as an engine misfire or driveline problem.

Repair damaged or shorted range sensor wiring or connectors. Readjust a misadjusted transmission range sensor. Replace a faulty transmission range sensor. Repair the valve body, manual shift valve linkage or fluid problems if diagnosis points there (RepairPal). Replace or reprogram the PCM only after everything else checks out (rare per OBD-Codes.com).

P0706🔧 Transmission / Gear position sensingStop and fix promptly

P0706: Transmission Range Sensor Range/Performance (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0706 mean?

P0706 means the computer is getting a transmission range sensor signal that doesn't make sense for what the car is doing, for example the sensor reports drive or reverse at start-up, or park or neutral while the car is moving under power. The usual causes are a faulty or misadjusted range sensor or damaged sensor wiring; a bad computer is rare. The transmission range sensor (TRS), also called the PRNDL input, the park/neutral switch or the neutral safety switch, tells the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM) which position the gear selector is in, and only lets the engine start in park or neutral. RepairPal says it is attached directly to the transmission's manual valve and that P0706 sets when its input is erratic or irrational. OBD-Codes.com explains that the PCM sends a reference voltage to the sensor and gets a different voltage back for each gear position; if the return voltage isn't what it should be, the code sets. It gives two typical setting conditions: the PCM sees drive or reverse at start-up, or it sees park or neutral for 10 seconds or more while throttle is at least 5%, engine torque is above 50 lb-ft and speed is above 20 mph. It is a generic OBD-II code, though repair steps vary by make and model; OBD-Codes.com notes General Motors calls it transmission range sensor performance and Jaguar uses it for missing dual linear switch signals. The sources disagree on the warning light: OBD-Codes.com calls P0706 a non-emission "C" type code that does not turn on the check engine light or store freeze frame data, while RepairPal lists an illuminated check engine light as a symptom, so whether the light comes on likely depends on the vehicle. Related codes are P0705 (circuit malfunction), P0707 (circuit low), P0708 (circuit high) and P0709 (intermittent).

Q: Can I keep driving with P0706?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it fixed right away. OBD-Codes.com calls this a serious safety concern because the range sensor includes the neutral safety switch, so the car may start in any gear and move as soon as it fires up, and it says the problem should be corrected immediately. RepairPal rates P0706 Urgent. Until it's repaired, set the parking brake and keep your foot on the brake whenever you start the engine.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0706 means

The transmission range sensor (TRS), also called the PRNDL input, the park/neutral switch or the neutral safety switch, tells the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM) which position the gear selector is in, and only lets the engine start in park or neutral. RepairPal says it is attached directly to the transmission's manual valve and that P0706 sets when its input is erratic or irrational. OBD-Codes.com explains that the PCM sends a reference voltage to the sensor and gets a different voltage back for each gear position; if the return voltage isn't what it should be, the code sets. It gives two typical setting conditions: the PCM sees drive or reverse at start-up, or it sees park or neutral for 10 seconds or more while throttle is at least 5%, engine torque is above 50 lb-ft and speed is above 20 mph. It is a generic OBD-II code, though repair steps vary by make and model; OBD-Codes.com notes General Motors calls it transmission range sensor performance and Jaguar uses it for missing dual linear switch signals. The sources disagree on the warning light: OBD-Codes.com calls P0706 a non-emission "C" type code that does not turn on the check engine light or store freeze frame data, while RepairPal lists an illuminated check engine light as a symptom, so whether the light comes on likely depends on the vehicle. Related codes are P0705 (circuit malfunction), P0707 (circuit low), P0708 (circuit high) and P0709 (intermittent).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it fixed right away. OBD-Codes.com calls this a serious safety concern because the range sensor includes the neutral safety switch, so the car may start in any gear and move as soon as it fires up, and it says the problem should be corrected immediately. RepairPal rates P0706 Urgent. Until it's repaired, set the parking brake and keep your foot on the brake whenever you start the engine.

Common symptoms

Vehicle may start in any gear position (OBD-Codes.com)
Transmission forced into limp mode, with an obvious lack of power especially from a stop (OBD-Codes.com)
Vehicle may not shift properly or may not go into gear (RepairPal)
Lower fuel economy and, in some cases, performance problems (RepairPal)
Check engine light on (RepairPal); OBD-Codes.com says the PCM does not turn the light on for this code, so it may not light on every vehicle
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)
Misadjusted transmission range sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Open or shorted range sensor harness, or a bad connector (both sources)
Defective valve body or manual shift valve linkage (RepairPal)
Dirty transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (RepairPal)
Faulty PCM, which OBD-Codes.com says would be very rare
OBD-Codes.com says in its experience the code is most common on four-wheel-drive trucks that have been off-road and damaged the range sensor or its harness; RepairPal warns the code can be misdiagnosed as an engine misfire 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 before clearing anything, since P0706 often shows up alongside other range sensor or transmission codes.
Set the parking brake and block the wheels before any testing; OBD-Codes.com stresses this because the car may start in gear.
Visually inspect the range sensor and its wiring harness for damage, especially if the vehicle has been off-road, and repair anything you find (OBD-Codes.com).
With the parking brake set and your foot on the brake, check whether the engine will start in reverse or drive. OBD-Codes.com says if it does, unplug the range sensor and try again: if it still starts, suspect a short in the harness; if it no longer starts, suspect a faulty or misadjusted sensor.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition; RepairPal lists dirty fluid as a possible cause.
Follow your vehicle's service manual for sensor adjustment, since procedures vary by make.

Typical fixes

Repair damaged or shorted range sensor wiring or connectors
Readjust a misadjusted transmission range sensor
Replace a faulty transmission range sensor
Repair the valve body, manual shift valve linkage or fluid problems if diagnosis points there (RepairPal)
Replace or reprogram the PCM only after everything else checks out (rare per OBD-Codes.com)

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 engine starts with the shifter in drive or reverse
The transmission is stuck in limp mode or won't go into gear
You've checked the sensor and wiring and the code comes back
Diagnosis points to the valve body, shift linkage or the computer

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 P0706 serious?

Yes. OBD-Codes.com says the car may start in gear and begin moving on start-up, calls it a serious safety concern and says to correct it immediately. RepairPal rates it Urgent.

Why is there no check engine light with P0706?

OBD-Codes.com describes P0706 as a non-emission "C" type code that does not turn on the check engine light. RepairPal lists the light as a symptom, so it depends on the vehicle; the code may only show up when you scan for it.

What's the difference between P0705 and P0706?

Both point at the transmission range sensor. P0705 is a general circuit malfunction, while P0706 means the sensor's signal is out of the expected range or doesn't match how the car is being driven, such as reading park while moving.

How much does it cost to fix P0706?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It depends on whether the fix is wiring, an adjustment, a new sensor or deeper transmission work, so get a diagnosis or a written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.