How To Deal With Volkswagen Transmission Range Sensor Problems

Failure of the transmission shift switch can cause various problems, the most common of which is the transmission being stuck in gear (limping mode) or not shifting. In some cases, the engine may not start up because the power system control module (PCM) cannot detect whether or not the gear selector (shift lever) is in the parking mode. To kick off the engine, make sure the shift lever is in the parking position. In Audi or Volkswagen, the transmission range sensor is also known as a multi-function switch, F125, neutral safety switch, position sensor, safety switch or range sensor.

Volkswagen transmission range sensor service Greensboro

Causes:

Issues pertaining to Volkswagen transmission range sensor include:

• Failure of the range sensor itself
• Corrosion around the connection
• Defective wire harness connects the ECU/TCM to the transmission
• Defective or damaged park/neutral position switch
• Improperly altered park/neutral position switch
• Problematic wiring to the transmission range sensor
• Mismatched shifter connection
• Misaligned park/neutral position switch
• Open or shorted park/neutral position switch harness
• Poor electrical connection in the park/neutral position switch circuit

As you can see, Volkswagen’s transmission range sensor often fails, but this problem is usually not related to the transmission range sensor.

A low gear oil level can cause similar symptoms, for example transmission not shifting or going into idle mode.

Symptoms:

The range sensor in a Volkswagen gearbox might fail, resulting in limp, no shift mode, or a boom while putting the transmission into gear.

Faulty Contacts in VW Transmission Range Sensor:

Poor connections in transmission control sensors or corrosion in connectors plugs attached to remote sensors are common causes of problems with VW transmission series sensors. A defective transmission control module (TCM) can cause similar symptoms.

Therefore, take your vehicle to the nearby Volkswagen Service center and have your TCM inspected and examined for water damage and corrosion.

There are a whole lot of symptoms that a faulty position sensor switch might cause. There are generally only one or two problems depending on how your sensor range sensor malfunctions.

Usually, you may sense when you have difficulty starting up your car. If you notice your car not moving in Drive, you are likely having issues with your Volkswagen. If your vehicle in limp or fail-safe mode, maybe you have issues with your transmission. Check out if your starts only in Drive. Sometimes, it could be that your car starts only in Neutral, not in Park. When this happens, it implies that you have issues with your car. If you are unable to switch gears, you definitely have gearbox issues. Transmission in failsafe mode also suggests issues. If no gear is shown on the cluster, it’s likely that your transmission gear indicator is not functioning, thus the car won’t start.

Low transmission fluid level, valve body failure, bad accelerator/pedal sensor, misalignment of shift lever cable, input/output shaft speed sensor or gear control module transmission water damage can account for these symptoms (TCM).

Transmission control module and engine control module error codes use the transmission OBD2 scanner to reduce problems.

Troubleshooting Transmission Range Sensor Problems:

Check Fluid Level

The first thing you should do if your VW gearbox goes into limp mode or fail-safe mode is to check the transmission fluid level. Low transmission fluid levels can cause many of the symptoms you assume are caused by a malfunctioning transmission range sensor.

Read Codes

To read the fault code from the engine control module and the transmission control module, please use the Volkswagen Audi OBD-II scanner. If any code displayed as CURRENT / PRESENT or ACTIVE does not work, please pay attention. If the check engine light is not on, the general OBD may not display any code.

Check voltage

Next, use a digital multi-meter to check the battery and alternator voltage. If your Volkswagen is below 12 volts when the engine is running, you may have an electrical problem that puts the gearbox in limp mode.

Transmission range sensor connector

Check the connector connected to the transmission range sensor below. The connection between the transmission gear sensor and the PCM may become loose or rusty, causing communication problems.

Check TCM

Since Volkswagen and Audi share many parts, especially gearboxes, these problems affect a large number of Audi and Volkswagen cars. Other cars equipped with automatic transmissions, such as BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Volvo, Ford, Dodge, GMC, Chevrolet, etc., have the same symptoms, causes and functions.

To keep your Volkswagen up and running, bring it in for inspect and routine maintenance at Volkswagen Service Greensboro center.