Transmission Range Sensor (Gear Selector Switch)
The transmission range sensor tells the car which position the gear selector is in: P, R, N or D.
What is Transmission Range Sensor (Gear Selector Switch)?
It is mounted on the gearbox or inside it and is linked to the selector shaft. The engine may only start in P or N because of this sensor, and it switches on the reversing lights. Older designs are called neutral safety switches.
How it works
Contacts or Hall elements give a different signal for each selector position.
Why it matters for your car
A faulty sensor can prevent starting, show the wrong gear or leave reversing lights off. Misadjustment after gearbox work is a common cause.
Other terms
- Aquaplaning (Hydroplaning)
- Bluetooth Hands-free System
- Camshaft Phaser (VVT Actuator)
- Compression Ratio
- Cylinder Honing
- Double Wishbone Suspension
- DPF Warning Light
- Facelift (Model Update)
- Hydraulic Lifter (Hydraulic Tappet)
- Induction Heater
- Kick-down
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
- Misfuelling (Wrong Fuel)
- Oil Temperature Sensor
- Payload
- Portable Charging Cable (Mode 2)
- Torsion Bar Spring
- Tyre Sidewall Damage
- Vehicle Tax (Road Tax)