Transmission · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0706: Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0706 means the transmission range sensor is sending a signal, but it does not make sense for how the vehicle is being driven or does not match an expected gear position.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0706 sets
The transmission control module (TCM) or powertrain control module (PCM) compares the range sensor reading with other information such as vehicle speed, engine speed and output shaft speed. If the sensor reports, for example, Park or Neutral while the vehicle is moving under power, or flickers between positions, the module sets P0706. Plausibility logic is manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0706
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Transmission range sensor out of adjustment
- Worn or misadjusted shift cable or linkage
- Internally worn or contaminated range sensor
- Intermittent wiring or connector fault
- Low transmission fluid on vehicles with an internal sensor
- TCM or PCM software fault
P0706 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Harsh or erratic shifts
- Gear indicator flickering or incorrect
- Intermittent no-crank in Park
- Transmission limp mode
How P0706 is diagnosed
- Record freeze frame data, noting selector position and vehicle speed when it set
- Watch range sensor live data while moving the selector slowly through each position
- Check shift cable adjustment and bushing wear
- Wiggle-test the harness and connector while watching live data for dropouts
- Measure the sensor signals per factory procedure
- Adjust or replace the sensor and confirm clean readings in all positions
Typical fixes for P0706
- Adjust the range sensor or shift cable
- Replace worn shift cable bushings
- Replace the transmission range sensor
- Repair intermittent wiring or connector faults
- Update TCM software if a bulletin applies
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P0706 FAQ
What does code P0706 mean?
P0706 means the transmission range sensor is sending a signal, but it does not make sense for how the vehicle is being driven or does not match an expected gear position. The standard definition is "Transmission Range Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance."
Can I drive with a P0706 code?
Short, careful trips only. The computer may not know which gear is selected, which can cause harsh shifts, limp mode or start-in-gear concerns, so have it checked soon.
How is P0706 different from P0705?
P0705 points to an electrical circuit problem with the range signal, while P0706 means the signal is present but implausible or inconsistent with driving conditions.
Can worn shifter bushings set P0706?
Yes. Play in the linkage can leave the sensor between positions, which the computer sees as an unreliable signal.
Keep researching
More transmission codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.