P0706 — Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Moderate severityWhat it means
P0706 is stored when the engine control unit sees a fault involving the transmission range (gear selector) sensor circuit. The transmission range sensor tells the control unit which gear position is selected (P/R/N/D); a fault can confuse shift logic and starting. A “range/performance” fault means the value is present but implausible — it does not agree with other sensors or expected conditions.
Common symptoms
- Readings that drift or disagree with related sensors
- No-start in Park or Neutral
- Wrong gear shown on the display
- Harsh or incorrect shifts
Likely causes
- Drifting, contaminated or aged sensor
- A mechanical issue skewing the reading
- Faulty or misadjusted range sensor
- Wiring or connector fault at the transmission
What to check first
- Cross-check the reading against related sensors in live data on a cold start
- Compare the gear shown in live data with the actual selector position
- Inspect and, if applicable, adjust the range sensor
Can you keep driving?
May cause no-start or wrong-gear starts (a safety risk); have it checked before relying on the car.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of P0706?
The most likely cause is: Drifting, contaminated or aged sensor. Several other faults can set P0706 as well, so confirm the real cause with live data and the checks above before replacing any parts.
Can I just clear P0706 and keep driving?
Clearing P0706 with an OBD2 scanner turns the warning light off, but if the underlying fault has not been repaired the code will usually come back within a few drive cycles. Fix the cause first, then clear the code to confirm the repair worked.
How serious is P0706?
P0706 is a moderate-severity code. The car is often still drivable, but have it diagnosed soon — the underlying problem can get worse and it may fail an emissions test.
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All information, explanations and guidance on this page are general preliminary information only. They are estimates and may be entirely wrong, incomplete or inaccurate, or may not apply to your vehicle at all. Never take any action based on this content alone — do not decide to keep driving, clear codes, replace parts, repair or otherwise work on your vehicle based only on what you read here. In every case, and for any final decision, you must consult qualified technical personnel (a professional mechanic, an authorized service centre or an engineer) and obtain their approval before acting. MechanicAI accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any damage, fault, injury, loss or outcome that may arise — directly or indirectly — from using or relying on this information, for any reason and under any circumstances. By using this page you acknowledge and accept these terms.