Transmission Indicator read out

Tiny
RODJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHRYSLER VOYAGER
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 208,000 MILES
The PRND3L indicator lights all appear to work appropriately and vehicle will start in park and neutral only. But when I switch to "drive" and then come to halt and go back through gears the "N" no longer shows square around "N" and "D" often remains selected even though vehicle is in neutral. "R" lights up appropriately and reverse is selected. However "P" doesn't have the square until I switch the engine off and turn it back on. I do not have an OBD scanner. Any ideas?
Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 1:20 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

My first suspect is the transmission range sensor. That is what determine the gear you are in and what you see on the dash. However, you really should scan the computer with a live data scanner to determine if it is faulty. I realize you don't have one, but because of the work required to replace the sensor, it would be with having done.

If you decide you just want to try replacing the sensor, here are the directions. It isn't an easy job. You will have to remove the transmission pan and the valve body in the transmission to access the part.

________________________________________________

The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

PROCEDURES
NOTE: The transmission range sensor is located within the transaxle. To remove the TRS the transaxle oil pan and valve body must be removed.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove engine air cleaner and tube.

See Picture 1

3. Remove gearshift cable.
4. Remove manual valve lever.
5. Disconnect transmission range sensor connector.
6. Hoist vehicle.
7. Carefully remove transaxle oil pan and drain fluid.
8. Remove transaxle oil filter. Let transaxle oil drain fully.
9. Remove valve body retaining bolts.
10. Extract park rod from guide bracket and remove valve body from transaxle.

See Picture 2

11. Place valve body on workbench.

See Picture 3

12. Remove TRS retaining screw.

See Picture 4

13. Remove manual shaft seal.

See Picture 5

14. Slide Transmission Range Sensor up the manual shaft and remove.

INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten TRS retaining screw to 5 Nm (45 inch lbs.). Reseal transaxle oil pan using RTV.

____________________________________

Let me know what you find if you have it scanned. Also, if I can be of more help, let me know. However, this is my first suspect.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
RODJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the prompt response, I am here in Australia. So mechanics not overly familiar with vehicle. Took it to mechanic who used OBD readout, but it did not show any fault codes. Transmission appeared to be working as it should, just lack of light up on the "N" when shifting back from drive to reverse. "R" stays on when you go into park and park does not light up until you re-start. Is it possible that there is a problem with the contacts on the transmission range sensor? Any ideas and diagrams of this circuitry and how to replace? Regards, Rodj.
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Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
It's possible there is a weak connection. I attached a picture of the range sensor plug and what each pin does. Also, here are a few links you may find helpful if you want to check it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if that helps. Also, if you decide you want schematics, let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
RODJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks, you have been most helpful. Where do the wires on the other other end go to? Is it another plug or multi connector? On a picture of a replacement plug it appears to end in a mass of pigtail connections?
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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 12:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
The other side will lead to the transmission control module. It is located under the hood on the passenger side inner fender. I attached a picture of its location.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 4:57 PM

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