P0705: Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit (PRNDL Input)
The computer is getting an unclear or conflicting signal about which gear selector position you have chosen.
What P0705 means
The transmission range sensor, also called the neutral safety switch or PRNDL switch, tells the computers which position the gear selector is in. It allows the starter to crank only in park or neutral, turns on the reverse lights and helps the transmission computer pick the right shift strategy. P0705 means the signal is missing, shows more than one position at once or does not match what the computer expects. RepairPal lists a defective sensor, bad wiring or connector, a defective valve body, misadjusted shift linkage and dirty fluid as causes. The sensor is mounted on the outside of many transmissions where water and road debris reach it. Symptoms include a car that will not start in park, a wrong gear display, missing reverse lights and odd shifting. KBB says you can usually drive but with poor performance. Shops read the range sensor on a scan tool while moving the shifter, check adjustment and test the wiring before replacing it.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Car will not start in park or neutral, or starts in gear
- Wrong gear shown on the dash
- Harsh or wrong shifts
- Reverse lights not working
- Vehicle may not go into gear
Most common causes
- Faulty transmission range sensor
- Range sensor out of adjustment
- Damaged or corroded sensor wiring or connector
- Worn or misadjusted shift linkage or cable
- Dirty fluid restricting valve body passages
- Defective valve body
What to check yourself first
Try starting the car in neutral as well as park; if it only starts in one, the range sensor is a strong suspect. Watch the gear display on the dash as you move the shifter. Check that the shift cable is not loose or stretched.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Replace transmission range sensor | $394-$511 | The usual repair, followed by adjustment to the shifter position. |
| Electrical diagnosis to find a wiring or connector fault | $122-$179 | For corroded or damaged wiring at the sensor. |
| Transmission fluid change | $294-$356 | Low or burnt fluid causes many transmission codes. Check the correct fluid type for your transmission. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
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Related codes
- P0700 Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
- P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit
- P0720 Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit
- P0750 Shift Solenoid "A"
- P0730 Incorrect Gear Ratio