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!

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Customer Reviews
Professional transmission rebuilt
Max XIAO
Professional transmission rebuilt
Date: March 27, 2023
Website: Google
Mandy's customer service was second...
Vanessa Orchard
Mandy's customer service was second to none. Not only did he make sure the work they could do on our truck got done in a timely manner, but also made arrangements for other services to be completed that are outside their scope. PLUS, he took care of getting our truck there and back! Like Mandy said, we hope we don't need to see him for that truck again, but if we need transmission services for any of our other vehicles, we'll be back! Thank you for your great customer service Mandy!
Date: March 27, 2023
Website: Google
Highly recommended! I wasn't sure...
Akash Kachchhi
Highly recommended! I wasn't sure where to take my car for a transmission repair. Had quotes from other shops, which were all around the same, but no one was offering warranty on their work more than one year even after spending so much money. Only Mr. Mandeep offered me three years warranty, which makes me assured to go forward with the repair. Mr. Wes is really knowledgeable technician and he did a fantastic job, car works like new! Incredible staff that go above and beyond for their customers. Their customer service is great and the car was done on time.
Date: March 27, 2023
Website: Google
Nav and his crew are...
Darrell Govereau
Nav and his crew are always there for me. Give them a call for exceptional service! Not only transmissions!
Date: March 26, 2023
Website: Google
Excellent customer service!
Rob Harris
Excellent customer service!
Date: March 25, 2023
Website: Google
I took the car in...
Lance Lincoln
I took the car in because I had issues with my transmission, not only did they fix it but they fixed my lower control arm and adjusted my brakes, these are problems that were missed on the safety, Dan also dealt with my warranty company as well as made sure I had the financing to get my car back with no out of pocket funds, they worked late making sure I had the car on the day they said, thank you Dan and Bob for all your hard work.
Date: March 24, 2023
Website: Google
Great job on my transmission...
Alessandro Chiaravallo
Great job on my transmission and awesome customer's service... Thanks guys!
Date: March 24, 2023
Website: Google
very good and professional. I...
Tochukwu Ezeanochie
very good and professional. I will recommend them for everyone.
Date: March 24, 2023
Website: Google
Excellent service! Wes was professional,...
Lori Buckle
Excellent service! Wes was professional, considerate and easy to deal with. Would definitely recommend! A++++
Date: March 23, 2023
Website: Google
Great people, great service, you...
Mircea Manolescu
Great people, great service, you know they will take good care of your car, no matter the problem it has.
Date: March 22, 2023
Website: Google
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