P0707 Code: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low

What the P0707 code means

The range sensor reports the position of the lever (P, R, N, D and the manual gears). It allows starting only in P or N, turns on the reverse lights and tells the transmission computer which gears it may engage.

It is a switch: the computer sees a high or low voltage depending on its position. A low signal is usually caused by the signal wire shorted to ground or by a missing reference voltage.

The P0707 code is set when the computer sees that fault in the circuit.

If the signal is not coherent, the transmission can go into the wrong gear or into limp mode, the engine may not start in park and the reverse lights may fail. A shift cable that is out of adjustment causes the same symptoms as a bad sensor. See the range sensor guide to learn how to test it.

To confirm the fault, unplug the sensor with the key on and watch what happens to the reading or the code. If the value jumps to the opposite extreme, the wiring is fine and the sensor is the part pulling the signal to ground. If nothing changes, look for the short in the wire itself, starting where the harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or the exhaust.

P0707 code symptoms

• Check engine light on.
• Cannot start in park, or the wrong gear engages.
• The engine only starts in neutral.
• The reverse light does not come on.
• The gear indicator on the dash does not match the lever.

Likely causes of the P0707 code

1. Signal wire shorted to ground by the harness rubbing the engine, the chassis or a bracket.
2. Shorted supply reference. If several sensors fail at once, suspect the shared reference.
3. Damaged sensor with an internal short.
4. Connector with water or corrosion, which creates a path to ground.

How to diagnose the P0707 code step by step

1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and compare it with what is expected.
2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water and loose pins.
3. Check power and ground with the key on: a correct reference and less than 0.1 volt drop on the ground.
4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and see whether it changes with the condition.
5. Do a wiggle test of the wiring with the scan tool in graph mode.
6. Check the continuity of each wire back to the computer (under 1 ohm).
7. Move the lever through every position and check on the scan tool that the computer sees the same one.
8. Check the adjustment of the shift cable.

How to fix the P0707 code

• Repair the connector or the wiring.
• Replace the sensor if the tests confirm it is bad.
• Correct the real condition if there is one.
• Clear the P0707 code and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

• Multi position switch or Hall effect sensor with a digital output.
• Reference values only: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

The source notes the sensor location on several brands.

P0707 on Ford

On many Fords the sensor is on the outside of the transmission and is adjusted with a centering pin.

P0707 on Toyota

On many Toyotas the sensor is on the outside of the transmission and is adjusted with a centering pin.

P0707 on Nissan

On many Nissans the sensor is on the outside of the transmission and is adjusted with a centering pin.

Frequently asked questions about P0707