Transmission Range Sensor

Replace the transmission range sensor (neutral safety switch) on the 68RFE automatic transmission to restore proper shift position detection and starting function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission range sensor × 1 — Mopar 4799544AC or equivalent
• Transmission range sensor O-ring × 1 — Usually included with sensor

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise vehicle on lift or support safely on jack stands
4. Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently driven
5. Shift transmission into Park position
6. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent starting during repair

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission range sensor
   Position yourself under the driver's side of the vehicle. Locate the transmission range sensor on the driver's side of the transmission case, mounted at the manual valve/shift lever shaft where the shift linkage attaches. The sensor has a single electrical connector with a retaining tab.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the retaining tab on the electrical connector and pull straight away from the sensor. If connector is tight, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the retaining tab while pulling. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Position drain pan
   Place a drain pan directly beneath the transmission range sensor. Minimal to no ATF+4 should drain when an externally-mounted sensor is removed. Position a pan to catch any residual fluid; verify mounting type as internal sensors may drain more.
4. 4

   Remove sensor mounting bolts
   Using the appropriate socket, remove the mounting fastener(s) securing the transmission range sensor to the transmission case. Verify the exact number of bolts for your sensor before removal. Keep bolts in a safe location for reinstallation. Support sensor with one hand while removing final bolt.
5. 5

   Remove old sensor
   Carefully pull the transmission range sensor straight out from the transmission case. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the sensor bore. Clean the mounting surface on the transmission case with a shop towel, removing any debris or old O-ring material.
6. 6

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove new transmission range sensor from packaging. Install the new O-ring onto the sensor, ensuring it is properly seated in the O-ring groove. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean ATF+4 to ease installation and prevent tearing.
7. 7

   Install new sensor
   Align the new sensor with the mounting holes in the transmission case. Ensure the sensor is oriented correctly with the electrical connector facing outward. Push sensor firmly into the bore until it seats completely against the transmission case. The sensor has a specific indexing and will only install one way.
8. 8

   Install mounting bolts
   Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts in a crossing pattern evenly. Since no specific torque value is confirmed in the database, tighten fastener(s) snugly to prevent leaks without overtightening the sensor housing. Verify the correct torque specification in the factory service manual before final tightening.
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the new sensor until you hear and feel the retaining tab click into place. Gently pull on the connector to verify it is fully locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or routed near hot exhaust components.
10. 10

    Refill transmission fluid
    Using a funnel, add ATF+4 transmission fluid through the dipstick tube to replace fluid lost during sensor removal. Add approximately 1 quart, then check level with engine running in Park after completing verification steps.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Ensure connection is tight and secure.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
2. Remove wheel chocks
3. Verify no tools or parts are left under vehicle

Verification

• Start engine with foot firmly on brake pedal. Verify engine starts only in Park and Neutral positions
• With engine running and transmission in Park, check transmission fluid level and add ATF+4 as needed to reach proper level on dipstick
• Shift through all gear positions (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) and verify correct gear indicator display on instrument cluster
• Check for transmission fluid leaks around sensor mounting area with engine running
• Test drive vehicle to confirm proper transmission operation and verify no warning lights are illuminated
• If check engine light remains on, use scan tool to verify transmission range sensor codes have cleared. May need to drive through complete drive cycle or manually clear codes

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle