P0706 Code Meaning and Next Steps

First checks take 10 minutes for basic checks. No special tools are usually needed for the first checks.

Can you keep driving?

Stop driving if any of these apply

!The vehicle suddenly runs much worse, loses power sharply, or the check-engine light starts flashing.
!There is a strong smell, smoke, overheating, or any symptom that suggests a real-time safety problem rather than a stored code alone.

If the light is steady and the vehicle still drives normally: Often yes for a short time, but it should not be ignored if drivability changes are obvious.

What to check first

Step-by-step checks

1
Safety first
Park safely and do not rely on the gear display if the range sensor is suspect
2
Free - no tools
Check whether the gear indicator matches the shifter position
3
Basic tool needed
Inspect the range sensor connector and linkage for looseness or wear
4
Basic tool needed
Look for cable adjustment issues or evidence that the shifter has not been fully engaging each position
5
Basic tool needed
If scan data is available, compare the selected range with the actual shifter position
6
Basic tool needed
Notice whether the issue started after transmission or shifter work

If the code returns

-If the display is wrong in multiple positions, adjust or replace the range sensor first.
-If the sensor signal is good but the transmission still reads wrong, inspect the shifter linkage and cable.
-If the code returns after alignment, confirm the sensor calibration and mounting again.

Background

What this code means

P0706 is a generic OBD-II code for transmission range sensor circuit range or performance.

The transmission control system needs to know whether the shifter is in Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. If the range signal does not match the lever position, the ECU can flag the fault and the vehicle may start or shift oddly.

Diagnosis

Common causes

Most common

Misadjusted range sensor

The sensor may not be aligned with the shifter positions.

Common

Wiring or connector issue

A damaged circuit can make the range signal unreliable.

Common

Shifter cable or linkage problem

If the lever does not fully select a gear, the sensor will report the wrong state.

Possible

Sensor wear or contamination

The sensor may not report each gear position cleanly over time.

Avoid these mistakes

What not to do

xDo not assume the internal transmission is failing before checking the range sensor and linkage.
xDo not drive if the gear display does not match the shifter position.

Parts

Parts that may need replacing

PartTypical costNotes

Transmission range sensor$80-$350Most relevant when the sensor is out of alignment or not reading correctly.

Shifter cable or linkage repair$50-$250Important when the lever is not fully selecting each position.

Connector or wiring repair$20-$150Useful when the signal is being interrupted electrically.

Related OBD codes

P0707

P0707 means the transmission range sensor is reading too low.

P0708

P0708 means the transmission range sensor is reading too high.

P0709

P0709 means the transmission range sensor signal is intermittent or unstable.

Source notes

Generic OBD-II (SAE J1979 / ISO 15031-5). P0706 was seeded from dtcdb and then expanded around transmission range sensor faults, with emphasis on alignment, linkage, and wiring checks.

This guide is written as a generic multi-make reference, so bulletin history, sensor locations, and repair order can still change by manufacturer and engine family.

This is generic OBD-II guidance and should not override vehicle-specific service information. Exact diagnosis and repair steps vary by make, engine family, and model year.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-10

Reference: Open reference

P0706 - The Transmission Range Sensor Is Reading Outside the Expected Range