is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
When I put my car in Reverse, there are no backup lights. Car goes into gear, and moves backward, goes into neutral, and its on a slight hill so it rolls forward, goes back into reverse and backs up. Neutral, Reverse, neutral, reverse, etc. Talked to several transmission mechanics and Chrysler dealer just over the phone, and they said it is not a range sensor symptom. However, found a guy with similar symptoms and replacing hid range sensor fixed his car. Also found literature online that says this is a symptom of a bad range sensor. So some say it is, and some say it isn't. Help!
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The description you have given, leads me to believe you have a combination of faults. Assuming you have already checked the basics (back-up light bulbs are good), (the fuse is good for the back-up lights). A circuit test needs to be done to confirm no power supplied by the back-up light switch to the light bulbs while in reverse. This can be done, key on engine off, parking brake set. The vehicle dropping out reverse into neutral could be a range sensor issue. A scanner capable of reading the transmission range sensor would be required to identify whether the transmission control module is being commanded to neutral. Low transmission fluid pressure in reverse could an issue. Replacing parts without confirming the diagnoses could be expensive and not fix the problem. I recommend the transmission range sensor be inspected by a certified technician from YourMechanic.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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In most cases, you will be able to operate your vehicle if a P0705 code is showing, but with significant performance issues, therefore it is strongly not recommended. However, suppose your vehicle is experiencing problems while shifting or going into limp or reduced power mode.
Issues with the transmission range sensor circuit, such as damaged wires or poor connections. Defective valve body. Defective shift linkage. Faulty TCM or PCM.
If a pressure sensor fails, it can cause the entire control system to fail and lead to inoperable equipment or system down time; depending on the type of system, significant damage can occur to the equipment and surrounding environment.
The transmission range sensor is also known as the park/neutral safety switch or the manual lever position switch, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Improper Or Harsh Shifting
When there`s no speed signal coming from the sensors, shifting of gears will be a problem because the powertrain control module won`t control them correctly. This will make the transmission not work properly. It will either shift more quickly or roughly than expected.
Common signs include harsh or improper shifting, cruise control not working, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
Read the Ohm or resistance values and compare them to those of the manufacturer. If they don`t match, the sensor is defective. If the resistance is infinite, you have an open circuit within the sensor. If the readings are zero Ohms, the sensor is shorted.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
The transmission range sensor determines the transmission speed. The transmission control system uses this information to, for example, calculate which gear is required and the shifting time.
Unlike a brake light switch or brake caliper that can last as long as your vehicle, you can expect your transmission speed sensor to last between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. However, as is the case for brake pads, your speed sensor`s life also depends significantly on your driving conditions.
Common signs include the indicator not matching the gear and the vehicle not turning off, starting in another gear, or not going into gear at all.
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. If voltage is received, you may need to have the car diagnosed by a qualified tech.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
ANSWER : Hi there. The description you have given, leads me to believe you have a combination of faults. Assuming you have already checked the basics (back-up light bulbs are good), (the fuse is good for the back-up lights). A circuit test needs to be done to confirm no power supplied by the back-up light switch to the light bulbs while in reverse. This can be done, key on engine off, parking brake set. The vehicle dropping out reverse into neutral could be a range sensor issue. A scanner capable of reading the transmission range sensor would be required to identify whether the transmission control module is being commanded to neutral. Low transmission fluid pressure in reverse could an issue. Replacing parts without confirming the diagnoses could be expensive and not fix the problem. I recommend the transmission range sensor be inspected by a certified technician from YourMechanic.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
I have a bad oxygen sensor, bad power steering sensor, and a bad cam shaft sensor? Should I replace any of them?
ANSWER : When you say you have three bad sensors I can only assume you have had them tested and the end result is three bad sensors. If they tested bad then they should be replaced. The power steering sensor senses the load of the steering on the engine so it can raise the idle during parking maneuvers. The O2 sensor is used for fuel control and it may effect engine power and fuel mileage. The camshaft sensor cay cause no starts, engine running problems and all three will turn on the check engine light.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
My code reader says I have a bad mass air flow sensor ans crank shat sensor test drive ran better shut off & engine Lt. Same code
ANSWER : Hi there. The problem you are describing, sounds like you may have a poor connection in the connector at the mass airflow sensor. Although, sometimes aftermarket parts do not perform as well as factory (OEM) parts. Check for corrosion and/or wide spacing in the terminal ends. Compare the terminal ends in the connector using a flashlight to see better. The terminals can be tightened. If you are not comfortable with doing that, a replacement pigtail (connector) is available. You vehicle may require further diagnosis performed with a scanner that provides parameters that can be viewed as the fault occurs. If that is the case, I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical circuits inspected in order to pinpoint the underlying fault.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
Bad camshaft position sensor?
ANSWER : Hi there. You might find reading this article very helpful in trying to diagnose your P0016 OBD-II trouble code issue. It explains common causes, symptoms and solutions.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
My Audi A4 has a bad transmission range sensor and when accelerating the car shakes, I don’t know if it’s the sensor?
ANSWER : A faulty transmission range selector switch/sensor could have some negative effects on vehicle performance and consequently the switch should be replaced prior to a diagnostic for the acceleration problem you are describing. After the sensor/switch is replaced, if the acceleration problem remains, that problem would be identified and resolved during a slow acceleration diagnostic. To obtain replacement of the range selector component, please use YourMechanic’s transmission range selector service page and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
How do I test which camshaft sensor is bad? My Check Engine Light is on and the scanner says a bad camshaft sensor is at fault.
ANSWER : There is only one cam position sensor on this engine, located just in front of the oil filler cap.
Testing camshaft/crankshaft sensor failures, unfortunately, often only has 2 options for testing a suspect component:
Replace it with a known working part to see if it solves the problem.
Get out your oscilloscope and start looking at wave patterns.
Simple "resistance" testing with an ohm meter while not running will only predict a completely failed sensor with which the car would not run.
If you need help with this, have your camshaft sensor and Check Engine Light inspected further by a certified technician such as one from YourMechanic to confirm this diagnosis, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. YourMechanic can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for this repair.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
It threw a code 21 , throttle position sensor bad code. i replaced it and the code went away but i still have no spark.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The problems that you are encountering with your vehicle, could be caused by the harness to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or the computer itself.
Check the harness to the TPS for any debris or any corrosion. Hook up a paperclip to the harness and turn on the key. Use a multimeter and check for voltage at the pins of the harness. Make sure that the ground on the sensor is grounded and has no resistance. If you find that the harness is having too much resistance, then I recommend having the main engine harness replaced. If you have replaced the harness and still have the same problems, then the computer will need to be flashed or replaced.
I recommend having a professional, like one from YourMechanic, come to your home to diagnose your car’s no start condition before replacing any parts.
Read Full Q/A … : is this a symptom of a bad range sensor?
