Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Low
What it means
The computer has seen the transmission range sensor signal voltage below the allowed limit. This usually points to wiring shorted to ground, a lost supply voltage, or an internal sensor fault.
Related lights
Dashboard lights that may come on with this code.
Symptoms4
- Check engine light on.
- Engine will not crank, or cranks only in neutral.
- Gear indicator on the dash blank or showing the wrong position.
- Transmission in limp mode or shifting harshly.
Possible causes5
- Signal wire shorted to ground where the insulation has rubbed on the body or transmission.
- Water or oil in the sensor or connector causing electrical leakage.
- Internal sensor failure.
- Lost reference supply voltage to the sensor on designs that use one.
- A fault in the transmission control module (rare).
How to diagnose5
- Watch the sensor reading on a scan tool while moving the lever through each position to see whether the fault is constant or changes.
- Unplug the sensor and watch the reading; if it stays low the short is in the wiring, and if it changes the sensor is suspect.
- Inspect the harness along its route near the transmission and exhaust for chafing or melting.
- Measure supply and ground at the sensor connector and compare with the manufacturer wiring diagram.
- Inspect inside the connector for water, oil or corrosion.
How to fix5
- Repair the shorted section of wiring and secure the harness away from heat and rubbing.
- Clean and dry the connector, and replace it if corroded.
- Repair the supply voltage circuit if it is open.
- Replace the transmission range sensor and adjust it using the specified procedure.
- Clear the codes, then confirm the position reading, cranking and reverse lights are correct.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 100–900 (≈ USD 27–240)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
The cost is low for a wire or connector repair, and higher when the sensor is replaced and adjusted.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can an engine wash cause this code?
Yes. Water in the connector or sensor can cause electrical leakage that pulls the voltage low. Drying and cleaning the connector may solve it if no corrosion has formed.
How do I tell a bad sensor from bad wiring?
Unplug the sensor and watch the reading; if the voltage stays low with the sensor unplugged, the short is in the wiring, not the sensor.
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