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Home >> Mercury >> 1996 >> Sable V6-183 3.0L DOHC VIN S MFI >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Powertrain Management >> Transmission Control Systems >> Testing and Inspection >> Component Tests and General Diagnostics >> Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Testing

Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Testing



Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Testing

Introduction

CAUTION: Do not attempt to pry off transaxle harness connector with a screwdriver. This will damage the connector and could result in a transaxle concern.

The transmission tester allows you to test the TR sensor independent of the vehicle electronics. TR sensor testing is divided into five steps:
1. Preliminary testing and diagnosis.
2. Install the transmission tester.
3. Testing the TR sensor.
4. Voltage Tests-Park/Neutral, Backup Circuits and Optional Circuits.
5. Testing TR sensor range indicator circuit for instrument cluster.
6. Removing the transmission tester and clearing Diagnostic Trouble codes (DTCs).

Installing the transmission tester at the transaxle harness connector allows the separation of the TR sensor electronics from the vehicle electronics.

Testing may cause additional diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to be set. Therefore, it is important that you erase all DTCs whenever you make repairs. To verify elimination of all DTCs, rerun On-Board Diagnostics.

The Transaxle Reference Manual should be available to assist in diagnosis of electronically controlled transaxles.

Preliminary Testing and Diagnosis
Before you start testing, perform the following preliminary checks. Be sure to write down your findings, especially any DTCs, for future reference.
1. Know and understand the customer's concern.
2. Verify that TR sensor is properly adjusted in NEUTRAL.
3. Verify customer concern (e.g. when does it occur?):
- upshift
- downshift
- coasting
- engagement
If concern involves noise or vibration, does it relate to any of the following:
- rpm
- vehicle speed
- shift
- gear
- range
- temperature
4. Vehicle must be at normal operating temperature.
5. Check transaxle fluid level and condition.
6. Check for the following items:
- vehicle modifications
- electronic add-on items
- leaks
- proper linkage adjustments
7. Check TSBs for related information.
8. Perform complete on-board diagnostics (OBD) for both KOEO and KOER.
9. Record all DTCs.
10. Repair all non-transaxle DTCs.

Installation Procedures
1. Disconnect vehicle harness at transaxle TR sensor.
2. Set the two-way switch in the down position. (This switch will stay in the same position for all TR sensor testing.)

Rotunda TR/MLP Sensor Tester Overlay:










3. Attach the TR/MLP sensor overlay to the transmission tester.
Affixing the overlay will immobilize the two-way switch (set in Step 2) so it cannot be accidentally moved to an incorrect setting during testing.

Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Interface Cable B:





Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Interface Cable E:






4. Select and connect the appropriate interface cable B or E to Tester and then to TR connector.
Cable Engine Option
B 3.0L (4V) Column Shift
E 3.0L (4V) Floor Shift
Use the transmission tester extender cable when running tests with the transaxle on the vehicle.

CAUTION: Route all cables away from heat sources to prevent damage to cables during testing.






5. Turn large dial to TR/MLP SENSOR TEST.

6. Plug transmission tester power cable into cigar lighter socket.
All LEDs should light for a short period and then turn off. This is the tester's internal circuit check.

Static testing procedures allow for shop testing of the TR sensor on the vehicle or on the bench. Completion of these tests prove out the TR sensor electronically.

CAUTION: For resistance checks be sure that the LARGE DIAL is set to TR/MLP SENSOR TEST or damage to the ohmmeter could result.

Resistance/Continuity Tests
1. Set ohmmeter to 20K ohms.
2. Connect ohmmeter COM jack to SIG RTN jack.
3. Connect ohmmeter POS lead to TR jack. LED turns OFF when circuit is open.
4. Record resistance in every gear position while moving the shift lever to each position.
5. Refer to the following table.
6. If values are out of range, refer to Pinpoint Test D.

TR Sensor Resistance Ranges Chart
Gearshift Lever Position Resistance (Ohms)
PARK 3770 to 4607
REVERSE 1304 to 1593
NEUTRAL 660 to 807
OVERDRIVE 361 to 442
SECOND/DRIVE* 190 to 232
FIRST 78 to 95
* Same values for SECOND (electronic transaxle with separate positions for DRIVE and OVERDRIVE).






Voltage Tests-Park/Neutral, Backup Lamp and Optional Circuits

Note: LED lights red when circuit is closed. LED turns off when circuit is open.

1. Press and hold each test button while moving the shift lever to each gear position.
2. Monitor each STATUS LED:
The LED in the appropriate gear position you are retesting should light red.
If the LED for the applicable gear position fails to light red, or if it lights for a position other than the gear selected:
- Verify shift linkage adjustment.
- Verify TR adjustment.
- Retest.
3. If the sensor fails, replace it.
After you finish testing, continue to Transmission Tester Removal and Clearing DTCs.
4. If sensor is OK, refer to the appropriate service section for diagnosis of starter, backup lamps and optional circuits.

Testing TR Sensor Range Circuits (Illuminated Instrument Panel Only)
Using cable E, perform the following test steps for diagnosis of the transmission range selection instrument panel circuits.

CAUTION: Be sure that the correct 12 pin sensor connector is connected to the proper sensor. Refer to the appropriate year service manual for the correct TR-E cable connector to use (ANALOG or DIGITAL). If the wrong connection is made or the slide switch is in the wrong position, the LEDs on the TR position cable will give a false or no response during testing. This will cause the replacement of good parts.

1. Place vehicle transmission range selector lever into PARK.
2. Move range selector lever through all ranges.






3. Monitor the instrument panel status lights located in the TR sensor E cable. The LED should illuminate green for the appropriate range selected.
4. If the LED for the applicable gear range position fails to illuminate green or if it lights for a position other than the gear selected:
- verify test cable connections at sensor and tester.
- verify transmission shift linkage for proper adjustment.
- verify TR sensor for proper adjustment.
- retest.
5. If the sensor still fails to illuminate the LED green for the selected gear range or indicates incorrect gear position, replace it.
6. If the sensor is OK, refer to Instrument Panel Gauges and Warning Indicators for diagnosis of instrument panel and vehicle harness.

Disconnecting the Tester

CAUTION: Do not attempt to pry off connectors with a screwdriver. This will damage the connector and could result in a transaxle concern.

1. Disconnect transmission tester from transaxle connector.
2. Reinstall vehicle wiring harness. Verify connection by pulling up on the harness.
3. Reinstall all heat shields that were previously removed.
4. Disconnect transmission tester power cable from vehicle.
5. Erase all DTCs.
6. Rerun On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) to receive a pass code (P1111).
7. Verify that the customer concern has been eliminated.
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