Skip to content
Language: EN
Download

P0706: Transmission range sensor: range/performance

The gear selector position signal is there but does not match what is expected; usually a sensor that is out of adjustment or worn.

Code P0706 at a glance
CodeP0706
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP07xx, Transmission
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0706 means

The transmission range sensor (sometimes called the range switch) tells the control units which position the automatic selector is in: P, R, N, D and so on. It decides whether the engine may start, switches on the reversing lights and shows the position on the dashboard. This code means the signal is present but does not make sense: for example, it shows two positions at once or disagrees with other gearbox data.

Most common causes

  • Sensor or selector cable out of adjustment
  • Dirty or corroded connector distorting the signal
  • Sensor worn internally
  • Play in the selector cable
  • Transmission control unit fault (uncommon)

Symptoms

  • Dashboard gear display jumping or not matching
  • Engine sometimes not cranking in P or N
  • Reversing lights flickering
  • Odd gear changes or limp mode

Can you drive with P0706?

With care You can drive with care, but the gearbox may go into limp mode or the car may occasionally not start. Have it checked soon.

How to check it

On the scanner, watch the live selector position while slowly moving the lever with your foot on the brake: if it jumps between positions or lags, check the sensor or cable adjustment first.

How to read and clear P0706 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0706 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0706 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, Fiat, Mazda, Opel / Vauxhall, Peugeot, Toyota. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0706 mean?

The transmission range sensor (sometimes called the range switch) tells the control units which position the automatic selector is in: P, R, N, D and so on. It decides whether the engine may start, switches on the reversing lights and shows the position on the dashboard. This code means the signal is present but does not make sense: for example, it shows two positions at once or disagrees with other gearbox data.

Can you drive with P0706?

You can drive with care, but the gearbox may go into limp mode or the car may occasionally not start. Have it checked soon.

How do you clear P0706?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0706 comes back.