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 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: 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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
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 its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. If the car reports it over standard OBD, you read it for nothing with FREE; to read it straight from the gearbox control unit, with its description and clearing, you need PRO.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
- P0704 Fault in the clutch pedal switch
- P0705 Transmission range sensor: circuit fault
- P0707 The gearbox position sensor gives a lower signal than normal
- P0708 The gearbox position sensor gives a higher signal than normal
- P0709 The gearbox position sensor fails now and then
- P070A The gearbox oil level sensor has an electrical fault
- P0700 Transmission control system: fault detected
- P0701 Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0710 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit fault
- P0711 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: range/performance
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.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
