P0708 Code: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High

What the P0708 code means

The range sensor reports the position of the lever (P, R, N, D and the manual gears). It allows starting only in P or N, turns on the reverse lights and tells the transmission computer which gears it may engage.

It is a switch: the computer sees a high or low voltage depending on its position. A high signal is usually caused by an open circuit or an interrupted ground.

The P0708 code is set when the computer sees that fault in the circuit.

If the signal is not coherent, the transmission can go into the wrong gear or into limp mode, the engine may not start in park and the reverse lights may fail. A shift cable that is out of adjustment causes the same symptoms as a bad sensor. See the range sensor guide to learn how to test it.

To confirm the fault, measure the continuity of each wire between the sensor connector and the computer connector with the key off. It should be under 1 ohm, and an infinite reading means the wire is open. If the wiring checks out, measure the sensor itself: an infinite resistance confirms it is open inside.

P0708 code symptoms

• Check engine light on.
• Cannot start in park, or the wrong gear engages.
• The engine only starts in neutral.
• The reverse light does not come on.
• The gear indicator on the dash does not match the lever.

Likely causes of the P0708 code

1. Loose or broken connector. The most frequent cause.
2. Signal or ground wire cut, so the signal rises to the reference.
3. Sensor open inside. The resistance reads infinite.
4. Short to 5 or 12 volts from rubbing against another wire in the harness.

How to diagnose the P0708 code step by step

1. Read the sensor value on the scan tool and compare it with what is expected.
2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water and loose pins.
3. Check power and ground with the key on: a correct reference and less than 0.1 volt drop on the ground.
4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and see whether it changes with the condition.
5. Do a wiggle test of the wiring with the scan tool in graph mode.
6. Check the continuity of each wire back to the computer (under 1 ohm).
7. Move the lever through every position and check on the scan tool that the computer sees the same one.
8. Check the adjustment of the shift cable.

How to fix the P0708 code

• Repair the connector or the wiring.
• Replace the sensor if the tests confirm it is bad.
• Correct the real condition if there is one.
• Clear the P0708 code and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

• Multi position switch or Hall effect sensor with a digital output.
• Reference values only: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

The source notes the sensor location on several brands.

P0708 on Ford

On many Fords the sensor is on the outside of the transmission and is adjusted with a centering pin.

P0708 on Toyota

On many Toyotas the sensor is on the outside of the transmission and is adjusted with a centering pin.

P0708 on Nissan

On many Nissans the sensor is on the outside of the transmission and is adjusted with a centering pin.

Frequently asked questions about P0708