It wouldn't engage into any gears but park

MACFRAGGER

MEMBER
2003 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

One night after diving my car though town I went to park it for the night. The next morning when I was leaving for work it wouldn't engage into any gears but park. It has not given me any indications of problems before this happened. When I try to put it in to gear it bogs the motor down slightly then revs back up after a few seconds but will not move. When its in any of the gears it will move freely when pushed and will lock down when in park. I had a friend tell me to check "the sensor". Any ideas?

Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 7:21 PM

2 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Yep the sensor they are talking about is the transmission range sensor which when it goes bad the transmission does no know its in gear. Here is a guide to help see what you are in for when changing the sensor out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

Here is the location for your car and it shows how to replace the sensor.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM

MACFRAGGER

MEMBER
1 POST

Yep you nailed it, I took your word for it and ordered the transmission range sensor for 63.09 and went for it, worked perfect I feel amazing I fixed my own car :) Thank for your help.

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Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM