The Risks of a Faulty Transmission Range Switch

By Mister Transmission

If you hear a clicking sound instead of the familiar roar of your engine when turning the ignition key, your car’s transmission range switch or sensor may have failed

Have you ever tried to start your car while it’s running or is in gear?

It may make a terrible sound, but it’s impossible to do thanks to a safeguard built into your vehicle called a transmission range switch or transmission range sensor (TRS).

Sometimes called a neutral safety switch, the TRS is an electrical switch that tells your vehicle’s powertrain control module what gear your transmission is in when you turn the ignition key to the “on” position. Its function is to prevent you from attempting to start your engine while it’s running unless the transmission is in the ‘neutral’ or ‘park’ position, or if your car has a manual transmission if you depress the clutch pedal.

Like any mechanical component, the TRS can become faulty through wear and tear over time, and that can lead to significant problems with your transmission.

Testing the TRS is an oft-overlooked troubleshooting step that many mechanics neglect when attempting to diagnose transmission problems. If your TRS is failing or has failed, when you turn the ignition key, you’ll likely hear a clicking sound instead of the familiar roar of your engine as it turns over.

Faulty Transmission Range Switch Warning Signs
If your car’s TRS is on the fritz, either you won’t be able to start your car or the “service engine soon” light on your dashboard will remain lit. Other warning signs of a faulty transmission range switch include your car starting in the wrong gear, the transmission struggling to change gears or gears slippage.

If you can start your engine, drive it to a Mister Transmission location near you and have it inspected by one of our experienced technicians, otherwise you run the risk of not being able to restart your vehicle later and may have to call a tow truck.

Do you have questions about your car’s transmission range switch? Talk to an expert Mister Transmission technician. Find your nearest location.

Want to know more?
Visite one of our locations!

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
Sanjay is very easygoing, chatted...
Susan Noel
Sanjay is very easygoing, chatted almost the whole time I was there! ☺️ Repair was done fast. Things explained, and my bill was very reasonable. Get you in fast for diagnosis They make you feel like you are at home. I would highly recommend going there for any transmission issue. Exeter Road location. 🙂
Date: April 7, 2025
Website: Google
The service was exceptional. My...
Gene Kucherawy
The service was exceptional. My concerns were answered and this will make my travelling in comfort. The technician that did the test drive was very explicate. I highly recommend Parkland Transmission for your needs. The front desk staff were very helpful. Thanks.
Date: April 7, 2025
Website: Google
Can’t thank Mr transmission enough...
Jessebby Detheridge
Can’t thank Mr transmission enough for all their help. Amazing company, highly recommended, ask for Paul & John specifically.
Date: April 7, 2025
Website: Google
Very kind, honest & reasonable...
Logan Prescott
Very kind, honest & reasonable individuals! I appreciate this team and their quick efforts to help me. Would highly recommend.
Date: April 7, 2025
Website: Google
We recently had the pleasure...
Sharon Edsall
We recently had the pleasure of working with Mark & Staff, who delivered outstanding service. Their team expertly repaired our truck, and we highly recommend their services. The mechanics are highly skilled, and we have complete confidence in their work. We will undoubtedly return to their shop for all our vehicle repair needs.
Date: April 6, 2025
Website: Google
Thank you So much Sanjay...
Amer Ammar
Thank you So much Sanjay and Jon , saved my car and helped me through tough time. Outstanding customer service and Profissional in rebuilding the transmission.
Date: April 6, 2025
Website: Google
They did a great job...
Andrea Freeman
They did a great job of quickly diagnosing, communicating and repairing my Nissan Rogue transmission. The warrenty on their work gives us peace of mind until we are ready to replace the vehicle. We are happy with their professionalism and their extra effort to do a good overview of the other parts of the vehicle before the rebuild. Thank you!
Date: April 5, 2025
Website: Google
We're happy with the customer...
Tanya Mohamed-Coyle
We're happy with the customer service we received 👍🏾
Date: April 4, 2025
Website: Google
Excellent service everything was explained...
John Landry
Excellent service everything was explained to me in detail as well aware of what was going on with my transmission and they help me through it. Highly recommend.
Date: April 4, 2025
Website: Google
I went to Mister Transmission...
Lauren Williams
I went to Mister Transmission after seeing their reviews and convenient location. I suddenly began to experience acceleration issues over the weekend - went to two different places and was told to go to the dealership for a transmission issue. I opted for this business and am glad that I did; they were honest and quickly able to ensure I had my vehicle the next day because of how important my vehicle is for work. Much appreciated and would use this business again! Thank you.
Date: April 3, 2025
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Signs Of A Failing Transmission Filter A...
The transmission filter plays a crucial role in keeping the transmission system clean
Read More
April 7, 2025
Manual Vs. Automatic Transmission Mainte...
Your vehicle’s transmission plays a crucial role in keeping your car running
Read More
March 31, 2025
Honda Transmission Replacement Price: Wh...
The cost of replacing a Honda transmission varies depending on the model, year, and
Read More
March 28, 2025
How Much Does A New Transmission Cost? A...
A vehicle’s transmission is one of its most crucial components, responsible for
Read More
March 24, 2025
Cheap Transmission Repair Services: Wher...
Transmission repair costs can be high due to the complexity of the system. Unlike
Read More
March 7, 2025
How To Find The Best Transmission Repair...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most crucial components, ensuring smooth gear
Read More
February 28, 2025
Automatic Transmission Slipping Issues: ...
Automatic transmissions are crucial components of modern vehicles, allowing smooth
Read More
February 21, 2025
Ford Transmission Replacement Cost: Is I...
When faced with transmission issues, Ford owners often wonder whether they should
Read More
February 14, 2025
Transmission Problems? Here’s How To D...
Transmission problems can significantly impact the performance and safety of your
Read More
February 7, 2025
Transmission Oil Change: Why It’s Esse...
Your car's transmission plays a vital role in ensuring smooth gear shifts and
Read More
January 23, 2025