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Home >> Mercury >> 1997 >> Sable V6-3.0L VIN U >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission and Drivetrain >> Transmission Control Systems >> Testing and Inspection >> Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures >> AX4S >> Non-Transmission DTCS and Symptoms >> Transmission Range (TR) Sensor

Transmission Range (TR) Sensor

DESCRIPTION
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends a voltage signal to the Transmission Range (TR) sensor. The TR sensor incorporates a series of step-down resistors which act as a voltage divider. The powertrain control module monitors this voltage which corresponds to the position of the manual control lever. The TR sensor is located on the outside of the transaxle at the manual control lever. The TR sensor determines desired gear and Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) pressure.

SYMPTOMS
Harsh engagements and firm shift feel. No 3-4 shift. May downshift to a lower gear.

DTC's
P0707, P0708, P1705


Rotunda TR/MLP Sensor Tester Overlay:






INTRODUCTION

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

The transmission tester allows a technician to operate the electrical portion of the Transmission Range (TR) sensor. The TR/MLP tester usage is divided into five steps:
1. Preliminary testing and diagnosis.
2. Transmission tester installation (Set-Up Procedure).
3. Testing TR sensor.
4. Park/Neutral, Backup Lamp and Optional Circuit voltage tests.
5. Transmission tester removal and clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

NOTE: Installing the Transmission Tester at the transaxle harness connector allows the separation of the TR Sensor electronics from the vehicle electronics.

NOTE: Testing may cause additional Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) 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.

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 (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 transmission fluid level and condition.
6. Check for the following items:
- vehicle modifications
- electronic add-on items
- leaks
- proper linkage adjustments
7. Check TSB's 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

NOTE:
- Installing the Transmission Tester at the TR sensor CONNECTOR allows the separation of the vehicle electronics from the TR sensor electronics.
- During tester usage additional DTCs may be set. Therefore, it is important that all codes are erased after service has been made. To verify elimination of all DTCs, rerun On-Board Diagnostic.
- The electrical and vacuum diagrams should be referenced to assist in diagnosis of electronically-controlled transmissions:

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.)





3. Attach the TR/MLP Sensor overlay to the Transmission Tester.

NOTE: 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:





4. Select and connect interface cable B to Tester and then to TR connector.

NOTE: 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.
7. 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 TR Sensor Resistance Ranges Chart.
6. If values are out of range, refer to Pinpoint Test D. D: Transmission Range (TR)/Manual Lever Position (MLP) Sensor

TR Sensor Resistance Ranges Chart
PARK 3770 - 4607 ohms
REVERSE 1304 -1593 ohms
NEUTRAL 660 -807 ohms
OVERDRIVE 361 - 442 ohms
SECOND/DRIVE * 190 - 232 ohms
FIRST 78 - 95 ohms

* Same values for SECOND (electronic transaxle with separate positions for DRIVE and OVERDRIVE).





VOLTAGE TESTS-PARK/NEUTRAL, BACKUP LAMP AND OPTIONAL CIRCUITS

NOTE: LED turns OFF when circuit is open. LED lights RED when circuit is closed.

1. Press and hold each test button while moving the shift lever to each gear position.
2. Monitor each STATUS LED:
a. The LED in the appropriate gear position you are retesting should light red.
b. If the LED for the applicable gear position fails to light red, or if it lights for a position other than the gear selected:
1. Verify shift linkage adjustment with the shifter in the overdrive position.
2. Verify TR sensor alignment in the neutral position.
3. Retest.
3. If the sensor fails, replace it.
4. After you finish testing, disconnect the tester.

DISCONNECTING THE TESTER
1. Disconnect transmission tester from transaxle connector.

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

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 using procedures described in Powertrain Management.
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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