1998 Saturn SL2 P0706

P0706 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

This is something I had on file, it may help you understand your problem and help you or your mechanic sort it out.

DTC P0706
Circuit Description

The PCM determines which gear is selected by a combination of opens and
grounds in circuits 771, 772, and 773 at the transaxle park/neutral
position switch. Each combination indicates a specific selection on the
manual shift quadrant, P, R, N, D, 2, or 3. Circuit 776 is either open
or grounded to produce an even number of grounded circuits, 771, 772,
773, and 776. Invalid data indicates that the sum of the grounded
circuits 771, 772, 773, and 776, in 1 of the manual shift quadrants is
equal to an odd number.
Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P0706 is set when the PCM has detected an invalid bit pattern for
more than 3.5 seconds, twice per ignition cycle.

The difference between DTC P0706 and DTC P0705 is that a possible bit
pattern error due to misadjustment could set a DTC P0706.
Test Description

1. This step verifies the conditions for DTC P0706 still exist.
2. If the shift cable or switch is misadjusted, a DTC P0706 may set
while in certain gear shift positions.
3. DTC P0706 may set due to 1 or more circuits being shorted to
ground. By disconnecting the switch, the PCM should read all circuits as
high and the scan tool should display OPEN.
4. This step will isolate an open circuit. As each individual circuit
is grounded, the PCM/TCM should see the low signal and the tool should
display INVALID.
5. The PCM/TCM supplies a 12 volt signal to each transaxle
park/neutral position switch circuit. This step tests for that voltage.
6. DTC P0706 may have been set due to 1 of the circuits being shorted
to voltage. This step verifies if a short to voltage exists.

Repair Verification

Monitor DTC menu Code Status for Pass Since Code Clear and Pass This
Ignition Cycle. When both have passed, the repair is verified.

Criteria for pass:

* No active DTC set.
* Two valid selector positions are decoded. You must move the
shifter to obtain a pass.

Diagnostic Aids

When the PCM detects a fault in the circuit, an open, ground, or short,
the PCM will open the circuit internally to protect the circuit.

If no circuit problems can be detected, check the shift cable and switch
adjustment.

Important

This DTC will cause the transaxle to start out in 2nd gear

Mark (mhpautos)

Was your transmission second hand or re-co?

Mark

Hi there,

I do feel that this is an electrical problem, I would be getting a tech to inspect this for you as it my be fairly complex for the home mechanic.

Mark