This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the neutral safety switch (also called the Transmission Range Sensor or TR sensor) on the 10R80 automatic transmission in 2021-2024 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Neutral Safety Switch (Transmission Range Sensor) × 1 — Use OEM Ford TR sensor for 10R80 transmission
• O-ring seal for TR sensor × 1 — Often included with sensor

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and transmission to cool to ambient temperature
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame contact points
5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the neutral safety switch
   From underneath the vehicle on the driver's side, locate the transmission range sensor on the driver's side of the transmission case, near the transmission pan. The sensor has a wiring harness connector and is secured with two bolts. It is positioned where the manual valve shaft enters the transmission valve body.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the TR sensor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the sensor. If the connector is difficult to remove, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently depress the locking tab while pulling. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
3. 3

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan with at least 2-quart capacity directly beneath the neutral safety switch. Expect approximately 0.5 to 1.5 quarts 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 neutral safety switch to the transmission case. Keep these bolts as they will be reused unless damaged. Support the sensor with one hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the old sensor
   Carefully pull the neutral safety switch straight out from the transmission case. Transmission fluid will drain from the opening. Allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. Inspect the manual valve shaft inside the opening to ensure it is not damaged.
6. 6

   Clean the mounting surface
   Using shop rags, clean the sensor mounting surface on the transmission case, removing any old fluid, debris, or gasket material. Ensure the area around the sensor bore is clean and free of contamination that could enter the transmission.
7. 7

   Prepare the new sensor
   Remove the new neutral safety switch from its packaging. Verify a new O-ring seal is installed on the sensor body. If the O-ring is not pre-installed, install it into the groove on the sensor. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean MERCON LV transmission fluid to ease installation.
8. 8

   Install the new sensor
   Align the internal tang on the sensor with the flat on the manual valve shaft. Carefully push the sensor straight into the transmission case bore until it seats flush against the mounting surface. The sensor should slide in smoothly without binding. Do not force it; if resistance is felt, remove and verify proper alignment with the manual valve shaft.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Install both sensor mounting bolts and hand-tighten them evenly to draw the sensor flush to the transmission case. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bolts to 12.0 Nm (9.0 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern. Do not overtighten as this may damage the sensor housing or transmission case.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the new neutral safety switch 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 in place.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and add transmission fluid
    Lower the vehicle to the ground, ensuring it is level. Remove the transmission dipstick (located on the passenger side of the engine bay). Using a clean funnel, add approximately 1.5 quarts of Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF through the dipstick tube. Add fluid slowly to avoid overfilling.
12. 12

    Check and adjust fluid level
    Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature (approximately 5-10 minutes of idling). With the engine running and the vehicle on level ground, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Check the transmission fluid level on the dipstick with the engine running in Park. The fluid should read in the crosshatch area. Add fluid in small increments if needed until the proper level is achieved. Do not overfill.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are properly secured and locked
2. Verify no tools or rags were left in the engine compartment or under the vehicle
3. Double-check that transmission fluid level is correct with engine at operating temperature

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it starts only in Park and Neutral positions
• Verify the gear position indicator on the instrument cluster matches the actual shifter position in all gears
• Test drive the vehicle and confirm smooth shifting through all gears
• Check for any transmission fluid leaks around the sensor after test drive
• Use a scan tool to verify no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present related to the transmission range sensor (P0708, P0705, etc.)
• Confirm backup lights illuminate when transmission is shifted into Reverse

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