The transmission range sensor (selector or multifunction switch, PRNDL) reports the selected range; it may be a multi-contact switch with a bit pattern per position, an analog sensor with two opposing voltages adding up to 5 V, or a contactless PWM sensor. Its second channel has its own codes (P2801–P2805). P0705 is the circuit or pattern fault: the module receives a combination that matches no valid position. Ford flags an invalid pattern after 5 s (digital sensor) or 200 ms (4-bit sensor), checking continuously with the check engine light; Saab's 9-5 (9600) detects an impossible combination of its four contacts and goes into limp mode with the gearbox warning. The transmission no longer knows the range reliably – limp mode, start interlock or reversing light may be affected. Check the harness for shorts to ground before replacing the sensor.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the instrument cluster does not match the shifter or the car starts in gear, do not move it: the car could lurch forward or backward. If you only notice slightly odd shifting, go slowly to a repair shop and pay close attention when maneuvering.
Symptoms
- Check engine and/or transmission warning lamp
- Transmission limp mode, fixed gear, harsh shifts
- Starting problems in P/N or start interlock
- Wrong gear indication, reversing light not working
Most likely causes
- Range sensor worn, dirty or with oil or water ingress
- Sensor misadjusted or selector cable out of adjustment
- Harness or connector at the transmission damaged, short to ground
- Transmission or engine module input faulty
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0705 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 05: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0705?
If the instrument cluster does not match the shifter or the car starts in gear, do not move it: the car could lurch forward or backward. If you only notice slightly odd shifting, go slowly to a repair shop and pay close attention when maneuvering.
What causes code P0705?
The most common causes are: range sensor worn, dirty or with oil or water ingress; sensor misadjusted or selector cable out of adjustment; harness or connector at the transmission damaged, short to ground.
Related codes
- P0706Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0707Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Low
- P0708Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit High
- P0709Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
- P0850Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit
- P2805Transmission Range Sensor A/B Correlation
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
- fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
- saabwisonline.com: p0705
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.