This procedure replaces the neutral safety switch (also called the digital transmission range sensor) on the 10R80 automatic transmission in a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Digital Transmission Range Sensor (Neutral Safety Switch) × 1 — Motorcraft DY-1330 or equivalent
• Sensor O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated
4. Gather all tools and new neutral safety switch
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
6. Remove plastic underbody splash shield if equipped using 10mm socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the neutral safety switch
   From underneath the vehicle on the driver's side, locate the digital transmission range sensor (neutral safety switch) on the left side of the transmission case near the shift linkage. It has a large electrical connector with a locking tab.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. If connector is difficult to remove, gently wiggle while pulling. Do not pull on wires themselves.
3. 3

   Position drain pan
   Place drain pan directly underneath the sensor location. Expect approximately 1-1.5 quarts of transmission fluid to drain when sensor is removed.
   ⚠Transmission fluid will drain immediately upon sensor removal
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the sensor to the transmission case. Keep bolts clean for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old sensor
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the transmission case. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Inspect the sensor mounting bore for debris or damage. Remove and discard the old O-ring seal from the sensor or transmission case.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Using shop towels, thoroughly clean the sensor mounting surface on the transmission case. Ensure no debris or old O-ring material remains in the bore or on the mounting face.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor
   Install the new O-ring seal onto the new sensor. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean MERCON LV transmission fluid to ease installation and prevent damage during insertion.
8. 8

   Install new sensor
   Align the sensor with the mounting bore and carefully push straight in until it seats flush against the transmission case. Ensure the sensor shaft engages properly with the detent lever inside the transmission. The sensor should sit flat without gaps.
9. 9

   Install mounting bolts
   Install both sensor mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten bolts in a cross pattern to specification: 12.0 Nm (9.0 lb-ft).
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the sensor until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked.
11. 11

    Add transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fluid fill plug on the driver's side of the transmission pan. Remove the fill plug using 13mm socket. Using a funnel and suitable extension, add approximately 1.5 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF to replace fluid lost during sensor replacement. Reinstall fill plug and torque to 19.0 Nm (14.0 lb-ft).
    ℹ️Transmission may require additional fluid. Final level must be checked with transmission at operating temperature
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall underbody shield
    If removed, reinstall the plastic underbody splash shield and secure with mounting screws.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and check fluid level
    Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature (approximately 5 minutes). With engine running and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 3 seconds in each position. Check transmission fluid level per Ford procedure and add fluid as needed to bring to proper level.

Reassembly

1. Verify electrical connector is securely locked to sensor
2. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Confirm underbody shields are reinstalled
4. Check for any transmission fluid leaks around sensor

Verification

• With engine running and brake pedal depressed, verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral positions
• Attempt to start in Drive and Reverse positions - engine should NOT crank
• Verify backup lights illuminate when shifted into Reverse
• Check instrument cluster for proper gear position display in all ranges
• Test drive vehicle to confirm smooth shifting and no transmission warning lights
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Inspect sensor area for any fluid leaks after test drive

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