Transmission Range Sensor

Remove and replace the transmission range sensor on the manual transmission, located on the driver's side of the transmission case.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission range sensor × 1 — Mopar 05149062AA or equivalent
• Transmission case o-ring seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
3. Allow the exhaust system to cool completely if the vehicle has been recently driven - the sensor is located near exhaust components.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during sensor removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support the vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the manufacturer-designated jacking points. Secure with jack stands rated for the vehicle weight (minimum 3 tons per stand). Lower the vehicle onto the stands and verify stability before working underneath.
2. 2

   Locate the transmission range sensor
   Position yourself under the vehicle. The relevant switch/sensor is mounted on the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission case; confirm the exact side and location against the factory service manual before proceeding. It is a round sensor approximately 2 inches in diameter with a single electrical connector on top. Note: On this manual-transmission Viper the equivalent component is the reverse (back-up lamp) switch / neutral position switch threaded into the transmission case, not a rotary PRNDL range sensor. Verify the exact component and its location against the factory service manual before proceeding, as its shape, mounting, and connector differ from the description given.
3. 3

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the top of the sensor. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull the connector straight up and away from the sensor. If the connector is tight or corroded, use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully release the locking tab while pulling. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Remove the sensor mounting bolt
   Using the appropriate socket, remove the single mounting bolt securing the transmission range sensor to the transmission case. The bolt is located at the center of the sensor body. Set the bolt aside in a clean location. Note: Obtain the exact torque specification from the 2008 Viper factory service manual for the specific retention method (threaded switch vs. bolt). Note: Verify the correct Mopar part number for the 2008 Viper (TR6060) reverse/neutral switch against Mopar parts documentation before ordering. Note: Confirm the correct fastener/switch hex size from the factory service manual before selecting a socket.
5. 5

   Extract the sensor from the transmission case
   Confirm the retention method from the factory service manual: if the component is a threaded reverse/neutral switch, unscrew it counterclockwise; if bolt-retained, remove the retaining bolt and pull the switch straight out. Do not force a rotate-and-pull extraction unless the manual specifies a bayonet-style fitting. The sensor may be seated firmly due to the o-ring seal. If necessary, gently wiggle the sensor while pulling to break the seal. Be careful not to damage the sensor bore in the transmission case.
6. 6

   Inspect the sensor bore and old seal
   Remove the old o-ring seal from the sensor bore in the transmission case. Clean the bore thoroughly with a clean rag to remove any dirt, old seal material, or debris. Inspect the bore for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Check the old sensor for signs of fluid contamination or damage to the electrical terminals.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor
   Install the new o-ring seal onto the new transmission range sensor, ensuring it seats properly in the sensor groove. Lightly lubricate the o-ring with a small amount of the correct factory-spec manual transmission fluid for the 2008 Viper to ease installation and prevent damage to the seal.
8. 8

   Install the new sensor
   Insert the new sensor into the transmission case bore, aligning the sensor body with the mounting hole. Rotate the sensor clockwise approximately 1/4 turn to engage the alignment features. Press the sensor firmly into the bore until it seats fully against the transmission case.
9. 9

   Install and tighten the mounting bolt
   If the component is bolt-retained, install the mounting bolt by hand to prevent cross-threading; if it is a threaded switch, thread the switch itself into the case by hand. Follow the retention method confirmed from the factory service manual. Tighten the bolt securely using the appropriate socket. The bolt should be snug but not over-torqued, as the transmission case is aluminum.
10. 10

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the sensor until you hear or feel the locking tab engage. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked in place. Ensure the connector seal is properly seated to prevent moisture intrusion.
11. 11

    Lower the vehicle
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the wheel chocks.
12. 12

    Reconnect the battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal. If equipped with a scan tool, clear any diagnostic trouble codes stored in the powertrain control module related to the transmission range sensor.

Reassembly

1. Ensure the electrical connector is fully locked onto the new sensor.
2. Verify the sensor mounting bolt is snug and the sensor does not rotate or move when touched.
3. Double-check that all tools have been removed from under the vehicle before starting the engine.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify that no check engine light or transmission warning lights illuminate on the instrument cluster.
• With the engine running and foot on the brake, cycle through all gear positions (if applicable to sensor function) to ensure smooth shifting and proper gear indication.
• Use a scan tool to verify that the transmission range sensor is providing correct position data to the PCM in all gear positions.
• Test drive the vehicle to confirm normal transmission operation and that no new diagnostic codes are set.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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