Transmission Range Sensor: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

As the switch moves through its linear motion (Fig 1) contacts slide across a circuit board which changes the resistance between the range sensing pins of the switch. A power supply on the instrument cluster provides a regulated voltage signal to the switch. The return signal is decoded by the cluster, which then controls the PRNDL display to correspond with the correct transmission range. A bus message of transmission range is also sent by the cluster. In REVERSE range a second contact set closes the circuit providing power to the reverse lamps.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Range Sensor Linear Movement

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Mechanical State Electronic Display (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 3: Mechanical State Electronic Display (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.