This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the transmission range sensor (also called neutral safety switch or PRNDL sensor) on the 6L80 automatic transmission used in 2014-2018 Silverado 1500 models with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission range sensor × 1 — ACDelco 24230298 or equivalent
• Transmission range sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• ACDelco Dexron VI ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starting
5. Allow transmission to cool if recently driven (reduces fluid loss)
6. Locate transmission range sensor on driver's side of transmission near shift linkage

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the transmission range sensor
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission range sensor on the driver's side of the 6L80 transmission case, near the manual shift shaft. The sensor is positioned at approximately 8 o'clock when viewing the transmission from the rear. It has an electrical connector and is secured by two 10mm bolts.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the transmission range sensor. Press the tab on the connector and pull straight away from the sensor to disconnect. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan directly beneath the transmission range sensor. Expect approximately 4-8 ounces of transmission fluid to drain when the sensor is removed, depending on fluid level and transmission position.
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two bolts securing the transmission range sensor to the transmission case. Keep these bolts as they will be reused. Support the sensor with one hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
5. 5

   Remove old sensor
   Carefully pull the transmission range sensor straight out from the transmission case. The sensor shaft engages with the manual valve inside the transmission. Do not rotate or twist during removal. Allow residual fluid to drain into the pan. Inspect the old sensor for damage or wear.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting surface
   Clean the sensor mounting surface on the transmission case with a clean rag. Remove any old seal material, dirt, or debris. Inspect the manual valve shaft opening for metal debris or damage. The shaft should rotate smoothly by hand when the shift linkage is moved.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove the new transmission range sensor from packaging. Verify it includes a new O-ring seal (should be pre-installed on the sensor body). If the O-ring is separate, install it in the groove on the sensor body. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean Dexron VI ATF to ease installation and prevent seal damage.
8. 8

   Install new sensor
   Align the new sensor with the manual valve shaft inside the transmission. The sensor body has a keyed design that only fits one way. Carefully push the sensor straight into the transmission case until it seats fully against the mounting surface. The sensor should sit flush with no gap between the body and case.
9. 9

   Install and torque sensor bolts
   Install both sensor mounting bolts by hand, threading them evenly to avoid cross-threading. Once both bolts are started, torque them to specification in a criss-cross pattern using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the electrical connector onto the new transmission range sensor. Push firmly until you hear and feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Check transmission fluid level
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature (160-200°F). With the engine running and parking brake engaged, check the transmission fluid level through the check plug on the driver's side of the transmission pan. Fluid should drip slowly from the check hole when at proper level and temperature. Add Dexron VI ATF as needed to bring to proper level.
12. 12

    Clear diagnostic codes and relearn
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Using a scan tool, clear any diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission range sensor (P0705, P0708, etc.). Cycle the ignition to ON without starting, then shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L-D-N-R-P) pausing 3 seconds in each position. This allows the PCM to relearn the sensor positions.

Reassembly

1. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle
3. Dispose of used transmission fluid properly at a recycling center

Verification

• With engine running, verify the gear position indicator on the instrument cluster matches the actual shifter position in all gears
• Confirm the engine only starts in Park and Neutral positions
• Verify the backup lights illuminate only when shifted into Reverse
• Check for transmission fluid leaks around the sensor after test driving
• Test drive the vehicle and confirm smooth shifting with no delayed engagement or harsh shifts
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and verify no transmission range sensor codes are present

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