Transmission code
P0705: Transmission range sensor circuit problem
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $200 |
| Labor: 0.7 to 1.5 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $88 | $263 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $20 |
| Total, rounded | $120 | $490 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, transmission speed / range sensor replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer needs to know which gear position the shifter is in so it can allow starting only in Park or Neutral, show the right gear and shift correctly. The range sensor or its wiring is sending a signal that does not match any single position, so the computer is unsure.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Misadjusted or worn range sensor (neutral safety switch)
Drive gently to a shop if it shifts normally. If it will not start, jumps into limp mode or will not shift, get it towed.
What you may notice
- Car will not start in Park
- Wrong gear shown on the dash
- Harsh or no shifting
- Backup lights not working
Common causes, most likely first
- Misadjusted or worn range sensor (neutral safety switch)
- Corroded connector
- Worn shifter linkage
- Low transmission fluid
Check this first
Wiggle the shifter and see if the dash gear display changes. Ask whether the sensor can simply be readjusted before it is replaced.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0705
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
| Transmission fluid service | $150 to $520 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0705 questions
Why will my car start only in Neutral?
The range sensor tells the starter it is safe to crank. A sensor that is out of adjustment or failing may only match in one position, so the car will start in Neutral but not in Park.
Is this a transmission rebuild?
Rarely. It is usually an outside sensor on the side of the transmission or part of the shifter linkage, not internal wear. A repair is typically much cheaper than a rebuild.
Can fluid cause this?
Low or burnt fluid can cause shift problems, but this code points at the sensor circuit. It is still smart to check fluid level, since a low level can add to the symptoms.
How much does it cost to fix P0705?
The most common fix, transmission speed / range sensor replacement, has a typical range of $120 to $490 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
More transmission codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.