Check engine light on with code P1709 and VSA light is on?

Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 ACURA TL
  • 3.2L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
2002 Acura tl type s D5 light continually blinks. CEL is on (p1709), VSA light is on, and the ! Inside the yellow triangle is on. Seems like its shifting harder than should. Also, at low throttle and lower speeds, intermittent loud buzzing(?) Sound from the engine bay
Does that sound like a neutral safety switch?
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 AT 3:51 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, this would be a gear range sensor issue (neutral safety switch). Here is the location so you can swap it out and then clear the codes. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, September 14th, 2025 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Thanks for the prompt response.
So I ordered the part, but the earliest I can get it is Friday.
That said, (and I'm guessing I already know the answer to this), but is it safe to drive it (maybe 30mi/day) until then, or would I be doing significant damage to the transmission by doing so?
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Monday, September 15th, 2025 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would not drive the car, I don't think it would shift correctly anyway.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 9:29 AM
Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
It actually shifts pretty normally.
Does that change anything as far as the diagnosis?
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
It might also be worth noting that every once in a while, when accelerating from a stop or low speeds (again only under light throttle), it will have a bit of a bucking bronco effect.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
Okay, it might be fine to drive but I don't want to tell you that and then have something bad happen.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Noted. If I do, it'll be at my own risk.
Ill let you know if NSS replacement fixes the dash lights.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, be sure to clear the codes once completed.
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Wednesday, September 17th, 2025 AT 8:25 AM
Tiny
BENJAMINTHERERRIBLE
  • MEMBER
  • 58 POSTS
Installed the NSS and cleared the codes.
After turning the key to the acc position, the code/lights came right back after a few seconds.
What should I look into next?
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Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, is because the shifter is not seeing what the transmission is which can be due to a worn shifter cable, can you move the shifter into park through 1st gear cleanly?
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Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 AT 10:50 AM

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