P0707 on 2011 Jeep Compass: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2011 Jeep Compass

The 2011 Jeep Compass (MK generation) uses a Jatco JF011E Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which it shares with the Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber. The external sensors and wiring on this CVT are highly susceptible to road debris, moisture, and corrosion from road salt, especially in rust-belt states. It is critical to inspect the wiring harness leading to the transmission range sensor for any chafing, breaks, or corrosion at the connector before replacing the sensor itself, as this is a frequent point of failure.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Transmission goes into "limp-home" mode (stuck in one gear).
• Vehicle will not start, or will only start in Park or Neutral.
• Incorrect or no gear selection displayed on the dashboard.
• Harsh or delayed shifting between gears.
• Reverse lights may not work.
• Flashing transmission warning light on the instrument cluster.
• Vehicle may stall when selecting Drive or Reverse.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) 🔴 High Probability The sensor is mounted on the transmission, where it's exposed to heat, vibration, moisture, and road salt, which leads to internal failure. It is a widely-known common failure item on the Jatco CVT used in the Compass and its platform mates.
   How to confirm: After confirming wiring is intact, use a scan tool to monitor the TRS voltage. A reading below 0.5V confirms the low circuit condition. Alternatively, test the sensor's output voltage with a multimeter while an assistant moves the gear shifter. If the voltage does not change correctly or stays low, the sensor is bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission range sensor.
   Est. part cost: $40-$150
2. Damaged Wiring or Corroded Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness to the transmission is located underneath the vehicle, making it highly susceptible to damage from road debris, moisture causing corrosion in the connector pins (often appearing as a green tinge), or chafing against chassis components.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the entire wiring harness from the TRS to the TCM for breaks, chafing, or melted sections. Unplug the connector and check for green or white corrosion on the pins. Perform a continuity test on the signal wire between the sensor connector and the TCM connector; high resistance indicates a wiring fault.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease. If corrosion is severe, the connector pigtail may need to be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50 for repair materials
3. Misadjusted Shift Linkage ⚪ Low Probability While less common for this specific code, the cable linking the gear shifter to the transmission can stretch or the retaining bolts can loosen, causing a mismatch between the shifter position and the sensor's reading.
   How to confirm: Check if the gear indicator on the dash matches the selected gear. If not, inspect the shift cable and linkage at the transmission to see if it's loose or out of alignment. The P0707 code points more directly to an electrical circuit fault rather than a mechanical linkage issue.
   Typical fix: Adjust the shift linkage cable according to the service manual procedure.
   Est. part cost: $0-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): This is rare and should only be considered after the sensor and wiring have been definitively ruled out. A faulty TCM can misinterpret a good sensor signal or have an internal short on the input circuit. If repeated sensor and wiring repairs fail to resolve the code, a programmed, VIN-matched replacement TCM may be the solution.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle's computer for any other stored trouble codes.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be Mopar CVTF+4. Burnt or dirty fluid can indicate larger internal problems but won't cause P0707 directly.
3. Visually inspect the transmission range sensor, its connector, and the wiring harness for any obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Pay close attention to where the harness may rub against the frame or other components.
4. With the key on and engine off, use a scan tool to monitor the transmission range sensor live data (e.g., "TRS A Voltage"). As you move the shifter through all gears, the voltage should change accordingly. A value stuck below 0.5V confirms the fault.
5. If a scan tool is unavailable, use a multimeter to backprobe the sensor's signal wire. The voltage should change as the gear is changed. A constant low or zero voltage reading points to a fault.
6. Verify the sensor is receiving a proper reference voltage (typically 5V) and has a good ground connection at its connector.
7. If wiring, power, and ground are good but the signal is incorrect, the transmission range sensor is the likely culprit and should be replaced.
8. If a new sensor does not resolve the issue, perform a continuity test on the signal wire in the harness between the sensor connector and the TCM connector to rule out an intermittent open or short. If the wiring is good, the problem may be with the TCM itself.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Range Sensor / Neutral Safety Switch (OEM #5189839AA) — This sensor is the most common failure point for code P0707, as it is an electronic component exposed to the elements and a known issue on this platform.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Duralast, Rostra Precision Controls, NTK
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0705 — P0705 indicates a general malfunction in the TRS circuit, while P0707 points specifically to a low voltage condition. They can appear together if the fault is intermittent or complex.
• P0708 — This code means the circuit voltage is too high. Seeing P0707 and P0708 intermittently strongly suggests a chafed wire that is shorting to both ground and a power source.
• P0706 — This code indicates a range/performance issue with the TRS circuit. It is also extremely common on the Jeep Patriot platform mate and often points to the same root causes.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 0814123: Mentions P0707 - Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Low as a potential fault code related to transmission issues, including limp-home mode, on newer Jeeps, showing a pattern of this fault type for the brand.
• 21-007-13 REV. C: A TSB for other Jeep models that involves flash reprogramming the TCM to fix shift quality issues, demonstrating that software updates are a common repair strategy for transmission problems.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The TSB #0814123, while for a newer model, indicates a history of transmission sensor circuit issues on Jeep vehicles, including 'Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Low'.
• The Jatco JF011E CVT transmission used in this vehicle is shared with the Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber, both of which suffer from the same high rate of P0706/P0707 failures due to the sensor and wiring.
• A YouTube video by 'Anderson's Garage' titled 'how to change BOTH transmission filters on CVT jeep Patriot & Compass' provides a detailed walkthrough of servicing this specific transmission, which can be helpful for accessing components in this area.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) 'A' Circuit Voltage — expected: A specific voltage between 0.5V and 4.5V that changes with each gear position.. Failure: A persistent voltage reading below 0.5V for more than 3-5 seconds.
• TRS Reference Voltage at Sensor Connector — expected: Typically 5V or 12V, depending on the specific system variant.. Failure: No voltage or significantly lower voltage, indicating a wiring or TCM issue.
• System Voltage at TCM — expected: Between 9.0 and 16.0 volts.. Failure: Voltage outside this range can cause the TCM to set various codes, including P0707.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Chrysler wiTECH or capable aftermarket scanner (e.g., Autel): TCM Initialization — This function is required after replacing the Transmission Control Module (TCM) or the entire CVT assembly to program the vehicle's VIN and configuration into the new module. Failure to do so can result in a 'Calibration Mismatch' code (P167A) and a no-shift condition.
• Chrysler wiTECH or capable aftermarket scanner (e.g., Autel): Quick Learn — Recommended after replacing major transmission components or sometimes after a battery disconnect to help the TCM relearn adaptive shift points for smoother operation. While not always required for a TRS replacement, it can resolve harsh shifting complaints that may accompany other transmission work.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TCM Location — On the 2011 Compass, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) is located in the left kick panel, inside the cabin.. This is the destination for the TRS signal wire. The connector at the TCM should be inspected for corrosion or backed-out pins if the sensor and external wiring test good.
• G102 / G103 — Located on top of the transmission housing.. These are primary ground points for transmission-related components. A loose or corroded ground here can cause erratic behavior and low voltage codes for various sensors, including the TRS.
• G305 — Located in the left kick panel area.. This is a key interior ground point near the TCM. A fault at this ground could potentially affect the TCM's operation and its sensor readings.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Dodge Caliber Forums (caliberforumz.com) (2007 Dodge Caliber (shares engine, CVT, and electronics with 2011 Jeep Compass)) — Car would not start, check engine light on with code P0707.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed to a bad starter or battery, which were ruled out.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The wiring harness for the transmission range sensor had corroded and broken. Specifically, the user found a wire had broken off right at the connector plug for the sensor. Splicing the wire and re-securing the connection resolved the P0707 code and the no-start condition.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Unknown → 5189839AA (also listed as 05189839AA) — Standard part lifecycle update. No specific design change is officially noted, but this part number is the current replacement for all 2007-2017 Compass/Patriot/Caliber models with the CVT.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• CVT Transmission Overheating and Failure 🔴 High — Common, especially during high-speed, long-distance driving or in high ambient temperatures. Failures often reported between 40,000 and 90,000 miles. (Ref: No specific recall, but it is a widely documented problem leading to class-action lawsuits against the transmission manufacturer, Jatco.)
• Front and Rear Subframe Corrosion 🔴 High — Very common in 'salt belt' states, leading to severe rust that can cause the subframe to crack or break. Chrysler issued a 10-year extended warranty (X69) for this issue on some model years. (Ref: Warranty Extension X69 for crossmember corrosion on some model years.)
• Suspension Component Failure (Control Arms, Tie Rods) 🟠 Medium — Premature wear of front lower control arms, bushings, and tie rod ends is frequently reported, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
• Water Leaks into Cabin 🟡 Low — Commonly reported issue, often from a clogged sunroof drain or poor seals around the doors or liftgate, which can lead to wet carpets and potential electrical issues.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, buying a used Transmission Range Sensor is NOT recommended. It is an external electronic part highly prone to failure from heat, moisture, and vibration. The cost savings are minimal compared to the risk of installing a part that may fail soon after.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable as used part is not recommended.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly OEM-only, using a Mopar sensor (5189839AA) is the safest bet for compatibility and longevity. If considering aftermarket, stick to reputable electronics brands.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Rostra Precision Controls (often cited as a reliable aftermarket manufacturer for transmission components).
• NTK

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Generic, unbranded sensors from online marketplaces should be avoided, as their internal electronics and weather sealing may be of poor quality, leading to premature failure.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0706 — Often occurs alongside P0707; both relate to Transmission Range Sensor performance and circuit range issues common in the Jatco JF011E CVT.
• P0705 — A companion code for Transmission Range Sensor circuit malfunctions, frequently triggered by the same corroded wiring or sensor failure.
• P0218 — Transmission Overtemperature Condition; often seen on this vehicle platform due to the same CVT design flaws that lead to sensor and harness degradation.
• U0101 — Lost Communication with TCM; may appear if the wiring harness corrosion or damage that causes P0707 is severe enough to interrupt the data bus.

Frequently Asked Questions