Replace the transmission neutral safety switch (also called transmission range sensor) on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins and automatic transmission. This switch controls starting in Park/Neutral and reverse lights.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission Range Sensor (Neutral Safety Switch) × 1 — Mopar 68231342AA or equivalent
• Transmission range sensor O-ring/gasket × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starting
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated (at least 30 minutes)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the transmission range sensor
   From underneath the vehicle on the driver side, locate the transmission range sensor on the driver side of the transmission case, near the shift linkage. The sensor has a single electrical connector and is mounted with two bolts. Remove any plastic shields or heat shields that obstruct access using 10mm socket.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the transmission range sensor electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wires. If connector is difficult to remove, carefully pry the release tab with a flathead screwdriver while pulling the connector body.
3. 3

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan directly beneath the transmission range sensor. Approximately 1-2 quarts of ATF+4 will drain from the sensor mounting hole when the sensor is removed. Position the pan to catch fluid flow toward the rear of the vehicle.
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two sensor mounting bolts securing the transmission range sensor to the transmission case. Keep bolts in a clean location for reinstallation. Note the rotor position alignment before removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the transmission range sensor
   Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the transmission case. The manual valve rotor will come out with the sensor. Allow transmission fluid to drain into the pan. Once fluid flow stops, remove the rotor from inside the transmission case if it did not come out with the sensor.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Using shop towels and a wire brush if necessary, clean the transmission case mounting surface around the sensor bore. Remove all old gasket material, debris, and transmission fluid residue. Inspect the bore for damage or metal shavings.
7. 7

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove the new transmission range sensor from packaging. Verify the new O-ring or gasket is properly seated in the sensor groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean ATF+4 to ease installation and prevent damage. Verify the manual valve rotor is properly positioned if it remained in the transmission.
8. 8

   Install new transmission range sensor
   Align the new sensor with the mounting holes and manual valve shaft inside the transmission. The sensor will only install in one orientation. Push the sensor firmly into the transmission case until it seats flush against the mounting surface. Ensure the manual valve rotor engages properly with the sensor.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Thread both sensor mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once both bolts are started, tighten them in a cross pattern to the specified torque of 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor body or transmission case.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the new transmission range sensor until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector body to verify it is fully locked in place. Do not pull on the wires.
11. 11

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission dipstick tube near the rear of the engine compartment. Using a transmission fluid pump or funnel, add approximately 2 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 through the dipstick tube. This replaces the fluid lost during sensor removal. Do not overfill.
12. 12

    Reinstall heat shields and lower vehicle
    Reinstall any heat shields or plastic covers removed for access. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Confirm no tools or materials were left in the work area
3. Ensure all access panels and shields are reinstalled

Verification

• Start the engine with the transmission in Park. Engine should crank and start normally.
• With engine running and foot on brake, verify transmission will NOT start when shifted to Drive or Reverse (restart test).
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature, running in Park on level ground. Add fluid if necessary to reach proper level on dipstick.
• Verify backup lights illuminate when transmission is shifted into Reverse.
• Check for transmission fluid leaks around the sensor mounting area after test drive.
• Use a scan tool to verify no transmission range sensor fault codes are present (optional but recommended).

More procedures for this vehicle