P0708 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 check-engine light is flashing or the engine is shaking badly.
!The vehicle is stalling, struggling to accelerate, or obviously running rough.

If the light is steady and the vehicle still drives normally: Maybe, but only for a very short distance if the engine still runs smoothly.

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 displayed gear matches the actual 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 mechanical play in the shifter
5
Basic tool needed
If scan data is available, compare the range signal with lever position
6
Basic tool needed
Notice whether the issue started after transmission or shifter work

If the code returns

-If the signal is high in multiple positions, adjust or replace the sensor first.
-If the sensor signal is good but the reading is still high, inspect the linkage and cable.
-If the code returns after adjustment, confirm the sensor calibration again.

Background

What this code means

P0708 is a generic OBD-II code for a high-input transmission range sensor signal.

That usually means the ECU is seeing a range value higher than expected for the shifter position. The fault may be caused by the sensor, wiring, or a shifter linkage issue that keeps the signal from matching the lever.

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 look too high.

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 no longer report each gear position cleanly.

Avoid these mistakes

What not to do

xDo not assume the transmission is failing internally 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

P0706

P0706 means the transmission range sensor is reading outside the expected range.

P0707

P0707 means the transmission range sensor is reading too low.

P0709

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

Source notes

Generic OBD-II (SAE J1979 / ISO 15031-5). P0708 was seeded from dtcdb and then expanded around high-input 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

P0708 - The Transmission Range Sensor Is Reading Too High