This is a 1998 f150 with the 5.4L and 187k. The code says 'Transmission range sensor circuit malfunction'. The mechanic cleared the alarm and it has not come back, yet. Can anybody give any explanation as to what this means and where is this sensor located? It still shifts normal. Thanks

 

The TR sensor is mounted on the transmission at the shifter cable connection. Its job is to tell the PCM what gear position the driver has placed the shift lever to. In various versions, it is called the DTR sensor, the MLPS, and the neutral safety switch (a hold-over from long ago but mostly used by auto parts stores).

The P0705 indicates that the PCM received input from the DTR sensor that was faulty or inconsistent. This might be caused by a misaligned sensor, a faulty sensor, a wiring/connector concern, or a faulty PCM.

In this order:

Check shift lever linkage for excessive "slop" or play between the lever and the transmission. Too much play will cause ambiguous outputs from the sensor and may trigger this code.

Check wiring harness to sensor for physical damage (any recent work on exhaust or transmission?)

(Except 4R100) Check alignment of DTR switch by checking reversing lamp operation when lever is placed in reverse (rough check).

Reseat and clean DTR sensor connector. Check for pushed pins or corrosion in connector.

Replace sensor. Use di-electric grease in connector.

If it still happens again, you're probably looking at an intermittent harness problem or a PCM fault.

 

Thanks - I am thinking slop in the lever. About 15 months ago it 'jumped' down one. R is now P, N is now R, etc.,. It does seem odd that if that is the problem that it took that long to through a code. Still the truck runs fine and shifts normal.