Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Transmission Position Sensor/Switch: Service and Repair

Transmission Range Switch Replacement

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped).
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then disconnect the positive cable.
3. Remove the battery hold-down bracket, and remove the battery cover, the battery, and the battery tray.
4. Remove the battery base.
5. Remove the intercooler cover, the air cleaner housing, and the intake air duct.
6. Remove the nuts securing the shift cable bracket (A).





7. Remove the spring clip/washer (B) and control pin (C), then separate the shift cable end (D) from the control lever (E).
8. Check the bushing (F) in the shift cable end for proper fit and wear. If the bushing is loose or worn, replace the shift cable.
9. Disconnect the transmission range switch connector.
10. Pry the lock tab of the lock washer (A) on the control lever (B), and remove the nut (C), lock washer, spring washer (D), and control lever.





11. Pry the lock tabs of the lock washer (E) on the transmission range switch (F), hold the control shaft (G) with a 6.0 mm wrench, and loosen the locknut (H).
12. Remove the locknut and lock washer, then remove the transmission range switch (two bolts).
13. Set the new transmission range switch (A) to the N position. The transmission range switch clicks in the N position, and the control shaft hole (B) aligns with the N position line (C).





14. With a 6.0 mm wrench, turn the control shaft fully counterclockwise (viewed from the shaft end) to the P position. Turn the control shaft back two click-stopped positions so it is in the N.





15. Install the transmission range switch (A) gently over the control shaft (B), and install the bolts loosely.





16. Install the new lock washer (A) over the control shaft (B) while aligning the projection (C) of the lock washer with the N positioning line (D) on the transmission range switch (E), and install the locknut (F).





17. Push the locknut against the transmission housing to seat the transmission range switch into the control shaft, and tighten the locknut (A) to 12 Nm (1.2 kgf-m, 8.7 ft. lbs.) while holding the control shaft (B) with a 6.0 mm wrench (C), bend the lock tabs (D) of the lock washer against the locknut.





18. Tighten the bolts (E) to 12 Nm (1.2 kgf-m, 8.7 ft. lbs.) securing the transmission range switch.
19. Install the control lever (A), spring washer (B), lock washer (C), and locknut (D) on the control shaft (E).





20. Apply molybdenum grease to the hole in the bushing in the shift cable end, attach the shift cable end to the control lever, then insert the control pin into the control lever hole through the shift cable end, and secure the control pin with the spring clip/washer.
21. Secure the shift cable bracket with the nuts.
22. Check the connectors for rust, dirt, or oil, clean, them if necessary then connect the connectors securely.
23. Install the intake air duct, the air cleaner housing, and the intercooler cover.
24. Install the battery base.
25. Install the battery tray, the battery, the battery cover, and the battery hold-down bracket, then reconnect the battery cables.
26. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Move the shift lever through all positions, and check the transmission range switch synchronization with the A/T gear position indicator.
27. Check that the engine starts in P and N, and does not start in any other shift lever position.
28. Check that the back-up lights come on when the shift lever is in R.
29. Raise the vehicle on a lift, allow all four wheels to rotate freely, then start the engine, and check the shift lever operation.
30. Enter the anti-theft codes for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped). Set the clock (on vehicles without navigation).
31. Do the power window control unit reset procedure.