Code P1705, transmission range sensor in wrong gear and I cannot start vehicle?

Tiny
DAVID HOFSHI
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 FORD TRANSIT
  • 3.7L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 181,000 MILES
I recently had to change out the transmission range selector lever due to it no longer attaching to the shift cable bushing. After re-bolting the new lever, the vehicle is stuck in M1 even if I move the shift lever back and forth. Both the lever at the base of the transmission and the shift knob in the vehicle move back and forth. I did an obd2 test and the Error code P1705 came up (basically letting me know the range sensor is not in park). Everything worked electrically prior to replacing the lever. I have tried disconnecting the battery to reset the computer as well as deleting the error code with the obd2.
Sunday, November 10th, 2024 AT 2:50 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,598 POSTS
It sounds like the gear range sensor has come apart internally and needs replacement. Here is the correct way to replace the sensor so the repair can be successful.

The diagnostic trouble code P1705 for your 2016 Ford Transit indicates an issue with the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), specifically that it is "Out of Self-Test Range."

The sensor is inside the transmission, check the images in below post.
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Sunday, November 10th, 2024 AT 5:57 PM
Tiny
DAVID HOFSHI
  • MEMBER
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Thank you for your quick reply! If I understand right, the sensor is in the transmission case and connected to the lead frame? I have a copy of the service manual, and I can't find anything in there showing what the sensor looks or how to change it out. Do you have to drain the entire transmission? Is it accessible? The pictures you sent appear to show the shifter knob and cables that come from it, how does this relate to the transmission range sensor?
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Monday, November 11th, 2024 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please check out the images below to check it out. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Images (Click to make bigger)
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
DAVID HOFSHI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Once again, thank you for the diagrams and quick answer. It's been too busy to follow up on this until now, I wanted to double check with you after I called Ford. The parts department at my local dealership said that the range sensor is actually on the Lead Frame (part 153 in the diagram) and I need to open up the transmission to change it out. They mentioned they are frequently having issues with this type of lead frame and are even backordered from all of the replacements needed! Since it will be a big job either way I go, I want to try and clarify if you're absolutely sure the sensor is in the shifter since the Ford guys said otherwise.
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Monday, December 2nd, 2024 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It is not clear where the gear range sensor is so the guy at Ford can be correct. It has always made sense to me to have the sensor on the transmission. Thanks for the information.
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 AT 9:02 AM

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