How to test a transmission range sensor

The Risks of a Faulty Transmission Range Switch

By Mister Transmission

If you hear a clicking sound instead of the familiar roar of your engine when turning the ignition key, your car’s transmission range switch or sensor may have failed

Have you ever tried to start your car while it’s running or is in gear?

It may make a terrible sound, but it’s impossible to do thanks to a safeguard built into your vehicle called a transmission range switch or transmission range sensor (TRS).

Sometimes called a neutral safety switch, the TRS is an electrical switch that tells your vehicle’s powertrain control module what gear your transmission is in when you turn the ignition key to the “on” position. Its function is to prevent you from attempting to start your engine while it’s running unless the transmission is in the ‘neutral’ or ‘park’ position, or if your car has a manual transmission if you depress the clutch pedal.

Like any mechanical component, the TRS can become faulty through wear and tear over time, and that can lead to significant problems with your transmission.

Testing the TRS is an oft-overlooked troubleshooting step that many mechanics neglect when attempting to diagnose transmission problems. If your TRS is failing or has failed, when you turn the ignition key, you’ll likely hear a clicking sound instead of the familiar roar of your engine as it turns over.

Faulty Transmission Range Switch Warning Signs
If your car’s TRS is on the fritz, either you won’t be able to start your car or the “service engine soon” light on your dashboard will remain lit. Other warning signs of a faulty transmission range switch include your car starting in the wrong gear, the transmission struggling to change gears or gears slippage.

If you can start your engine, drive it to a Mister Transmission location near you and have it inspected by one of our experienced technicians, otherwise you run the risk of not being able to restart your vehicle later and may have to call a tow truck.

Do you have questions about your car’s transmission range switch? Talk to an expert Mister Transmission technician. Find your nearest location.

Want to know more?
Visite one of our locations!

How to test a transmission range sensor
How to test a transmission range sensor
How to test a transmission range sensor

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I highly recommend this location. Al and his team were great. I had clunking in my engine and the usual mechanic that I go to told me to go to Mr. Transmission, as they couldn't fit me in for another week. I called Al, explained my situation and he booked me in first thing the next morning. It turned out to be nothing major and I had my car back the same day. Great service and the price was far less than I expected to pay. Thanks again!

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Automotive service, particularly for older model vehicles, can be hit or miss, and unfortunately mostly miss. At least this has been my personal experience in the Brampton area. Or I should say, that had been my experience until last week. The service I received from Stafford (Brampton - Mister Transmission) was a prime example of true customer focused automotive service. Stafford went above and beyond to ensure our issue was resolved. Stafford worked within their busy schedule to look at our vehicle, identify the problem and then, due to part shortages, took the time and effort to recondition the failing part and get us safely back on the road. Stafford - Thank you!

Date: October 6, 2022

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A long overdue review of this business but a few months ago I was completely in a bind driving on a Thursday morning and needing to drive home to Vancouver Island that Sunday, I had lost my reverse gear in my 2007 Ford Escape and was pretty screwed. After calling about 25 transmission shops and mechanics, Mr. Transmission not only managed to squeeze me in same day to take a look at things and do what they could for me, but got me back rolling on the road by the next day. 2500km of driving and a few months later the car is still working great and I cannot thank them enough for helping on such short notice. Absolutely would recommend anyone to this shop, incredibly kind owners who really helped me in a time of need! Thanks Again!

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What happens when a transmission range sensor fails?

The Transmission Range Sensor tells the PCM the position of the transmission shifter. The PCM uses this information to control which gears of the transmission to enable or disable. When the TR sensor fails it can cause wrong gear starts, no upshifts, or what feels like a falling-out-of-gear condition.

How do you test a transmission range sensor with a multimeter?

Disconnect the sensor from the housing on the transmission, as indicated in the repair manual for your car. Disconnect the sensor's wire coupling. Using the multimeter's voltmeter connect the probes to the ground and reference wires in the connector. If no voltage is received, the sensor is faulty.

Is the transmission range sensor the same as a neutral safety switch?

Sometimes called a neutral safety switch, the TRS is an electrical switch that tells your vehicle's powertrain control module what gear your transmission is in when you turn the ignition key to the “on” position.