P0707 on 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Low Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler

For the Jeep Wrangler JK, the transmission range sensor and its wiring are located on the side of the transmission. This position makes them particularly vulnerable to damage from water, mud, and debris encountered during off-roading. Owners frequently report this code after water crossings or on high-mileage vehicles where the wiring harness has become brittle or corroded from exposure. The harness can also be damaged by contact with hot exhaust components.

Generation note: The 2007-2018 model years cover the entire Jeep Wrangler 'JK' generation. The causes and fixes are generally consistent across this generation for both the 42RLE (2007-2011 3.8L) and W5A580/NAG1 (2012-2018 3.6L) automatic transmissions, though the specific sensor part numbers and locations may differ slightly.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is illuminated.
• Vehicle will not start, or only starts in Park or Neutral.
• Engine starts in gear, causing a sudden lurch.
• Transmission enters 'limp mode', often stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear.
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifting.
• The gear indicator on the dashboard (PRNDL) is incorrect or does not display.
• Reverse lights do not work.
• Cruise control may be disabled.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) 🔴 High Probability The sensor is an electronic component exposed to heat, vibration, and potential water/debris intrusion on the transmission housing. Internal failure from wear or water ingress is a primary cause.
   How to confirm: After confirming wiring is intact, test the sensor's voltage output through the gear ranges using a multimeter. Compare the readings to the specifications in the factory service manual. If readings are stuck low, are erratic, or do not change, the sensor is bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission range sensor. This sensor is typically mounted on the exterior of the transmission case (42RLE) or as part of the conductor plate inside the transmission (NAG1).
   Est. part cost: $40-$100
2. Damaged Wiring or Corroded Connector 🔴 High Probability The wiring harness to the transmission is exposed under the vehicle. On a Wrangler used for off-roading, this harness is highly susceptible to getting snagged on obstacles, chafed, or damaged by water and debris, leading to a short to ground or an open circuit. Animal damage (chewing) is also a known possibility.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the entire wiring harness from the transmission range sensor back toward the PCM. Look for chafed insulation, broken wires, or green/white corrosion in the connector pins. Perform a continuity test on each wire with a multimeter to find any open circuits. Wiggle the harness while testing to expose intermittent breaks.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the corroded connector pigtail. Clean any corrosion from connector pins using an electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease to prevent future moisture intrusion.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
3. Misadjusted Transmission Range Sensor or Shift Linkage 🟡 Medium Probability Vibrations from normal use or impacts from off-roading can cause the shift cable or the sensor itself to become misaligned. This prevents the sensor's internal contacts from aligning correctly with the gear position.
   How to confirm: With the help of a scan tool showing live data for the gear position, check if the sensor's reported gear matches the physical position of the shifter. If not, an adjustment is needed.
   Typical fix: Loosen the mounting bolts for the sensor or the locknut on the shift cable and adjust its position until the correct gear is reported to the PCM in each shifter position. This often requires a helper to move the shifter while you observe the scan tool data.
   Est. part cost: $0

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is rare and should only be considered after the sensor, wiring, and connections have been thoroughly tested and proven to be good. A faulty PCM might fail to correctly interpret a good signal from the sensor.
• Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: While less common for a circuit code, very low or dirty fluid can cause erratic transmission behavior that may, in some instances, be flagged alongside sensor codes. Water contamination is a known issue on related platforms and can cause shuddering or limp mode. It's always a good first check.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for other DTCs: Use an OBD-II scanner to see if any other codes are present. Codes like P0705 or P0706 strongly point toward the range sensor system.
2. Inspect Transmission Fluid: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Low, burnt, or water-contaminated fluid can cause a host of transmission problems and should be addressed.
3. Visual Inspection: Get under the vehicle and visually inspect the transmission range sensor, its connector, and the wiring harness that runs along the transmission and up to the engine bay. Look for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, chafing against the frame or exhaust, or loose connections.
4. Test the Circuit: Using a multimeter and the vehicle's wiring diagram, check for proper voltage and ground at the sensor's connector. The 'low input' code suggests you may find a short to ground or an open circuit in the signal or power wire.
5. Test the Sensor: If the wiring is confirmed to be good, test the sensor itself. Monitor the sensor's output voltage or resistance with a scan tool or multimeter while a helper slowly moves the gear selector through each position (P, R, N, D). The readings should change smoothly and fall within the manufacturer's specifications for each gear. If they are stuck low or do not change, the sensor is faulty.
6. Check Shift Linkage: Ensure the mechanical shift linkage is not loose, disconnected, or misadjusted, as this can prevent the sensor from aligning correctly with the internal transmission detents.
7. Consider the PCM: If the sensor and wiring all test perfectly, the final and least likely step is to consider a fault within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Range Sensor / Neutral Safety Switch (OEM #52104471AC (For W5A580/NAG1 Transmissions, check VIN to confirm)) — This is the most common component to fail, causing the P0707 code directly.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products (SMP), Dorman
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$100
• Transmission Range Sensor Connector Pigtail — The connector itself can corrode or the wires can break right at the connector, requiring a new pigtail to be spliced in. This is common due to its exposed location.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman
  OEM price range: $30-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0705 — This code indicates a fault in the Transmission Range Sensor circuit in general, and can appear with the more specific 'low input' P0707 code.
• P0706 — This code indicates the sensor's performance is out of range, which can be caused by the same wiring or sensor issues that trigger P0707.
• P0710 — This code for the transmission temperature sensor circuit can sometimes appear if there is a shared wiring or connector issue affecting multiple transmission sensors.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 0814123: While for a Jeep Compass, this TSB lists P0707 as a potential cause for transmission limp-home mode, indicating it's a recognized fault code within the brand.
• 21-011-05: This TSB for the NAG1 (W5A580) transmission notes that water contamination can cause shudder and limp-in mode, which could be related to issues triggering a P0707 if the sensor or wiring is affected by moist

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The provided TSB #0814123 for a Jeep Compass shows that P0707 - Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Low can be a known issue on Jeep platforms, often leading to limp-home mode. [TSB #0814123]
• A user on JLwranglerforums.com reported multiple electrical issues and codes, including stumbling and stalling, which were traced back to a wiring harness rubbing through on the DPF pipe, highlighting the vulnerability of JK/JL wiring.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Voltage (NAG1/W5A580) — expected: Varies by gear, but should be above 0.5V.. Failure: A reading below 0.5V on a professional scan tool confirms a low circuit condition.
• 42RLE Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) Switch States — expected: A specific combination of Open/Closed states on circuits T1, T3, T41, and T42 for each gear. For Park: T42=Closed, T41=Closed, T3=Closed, T1=Open. For Reverse: T42=Closed, T41=Open, T3=Open, T1=Open. For Neutral: T42=Closed, T41=Closed, T3=Open, T1=Closed.. Failure: Any combination of switch states not matching the valid chart for the selected gear, which persists for more than 0.042 seconds, will set a fault.
• 42RLE TRS Sense Circuit Continuity — expected: Less than 5.0 ohms.. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 ohms indicates an open circuit in the wiring between the PCM and the sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• DRBIII / Witech: Shift Lever Position Test — For the 42RLE transmission, this test actively checks if the PCM is receiving the correct combination of signals from the TRS for each gear position, quickly identifying a rationality failure.
• Professional Bidirectional Scanner: Live Data - Transmission Gear Position — For both transmission types, viewing the gear position as seen by the computer in real-time is essential. If the displayed gear does not match the physical shifter position, it points to a sensor, linkage, or adjustment issue.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine/Drivetrain Ground Strap — Runs from the firewall to the engine block or transmission bellhousing. Often on the passenger side.. This is a primary ground path. On early JKs, this strap is known to break or be missing, causing a host of electrical problems including no-start conditions that can mimic a failed neutral safety switch.
• G201 / G203 — Grounding studs located under the kick panels in the driver and passenger side footwells.. These are major interior ground points. While less likely to directly cause P0707, a poor ground here can introduce electrical noise or voltage drop issues for various modules, including the PCM/TCM.
• 42RLE TRS Circuits (T1, T3, T41, T42) — In the wiring harness between the external TRS and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Specific pins are identified in service manual diagrams.. These are the four specific signal wires the PCM uses to determine gear position. P0707 is set when one or more of these circuits has low voltage (open or short to ground). Testing must be done on these specific wires.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• JK-Forum.com user report (2007 Jeep Wrangler) — Intermittent no-crank, starter just clicks. All lights stay on.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced battery, Replaced starter
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner discovered the ground strap from the firewall to the drivetrain was missing. They created a new ground wire running from the battery's negative terminal to a bolt on the lower transmission bellhousing, which permanently resolved the starting issue.
• Jeep Wrangler JK Forum user report (2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (W5A580/NAG1)) — Transmission goes into limp mode (stuck in 2nd gear), no manual shift capability, P0731 (Gear Ratio Error) code sets after stopping and starting.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the transmission conductor plate., Took to a professional shop which diagnosed an internal transmission issue., Replaced ABS module with a rebuilt unit (failed to program).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The issue was not fully resolved in the thread, but the critical finding was that a scan tool showed the output shaft speed reading at its maximum value even with the engine off. This pointed away from the sensor and toward a major electrical fault, likely on the CAN bus C circuit or a faulty control module (TCM or ABS) flooding the network with bad data.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2011 (3.8L Engine): These models use the 42RLE transmission, which has an external, bolt-on Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). Diagnosis involves checking the open/closed state of four distinct signal circuits (T1, T3, T41, T42) using a resistance meter and a specific diagnostic chart.
• 2012-2018 (3.6L Engine): These models use the W5A580 (NAG1) transmission. The range sensor function is integrated into the conductor plate, which is located inside the transmission on top of the valve body. Replacement requires removing the transmission pan and valve body. Diagnosis focuses more on live voltage data from a scan tool and continuity checks of the integrated harness.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Cracked Oil Filter/Cooler Housing (3.6L Pentastar) 🔴 High — Very common, especially on 2012-2014 models. Can happen anytime after 50,000 miles. Causes a major oil leak into the engine valley, often mistaken for a rear main seal leak.
• 'Death Wobble' 🔴 High — Can occur on both stock and lifted Wranglers at any mileage. It is a violent shaking of the front end, usually triggered by hitting a bump at speeds over 45 mph. It is most often caused by worn or loose front-end components like the track bar, ball joints, or tie rod ends.
• Faulty Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) 🔴 High — Common across the JK generation. Causes a wide range of bizarre electrical issues, including crank-no-start, fuel pump staying on, horn going off randomly, and wipers activating on their own. (Ref: While no specific recall for Wrangler, it was part of a class-action lawsuit.)
• Water Leaks into Cabin 🟠 Medium — Extremely common. Water leaks past door seals, A-pillar seals, and freedom top panels, often resulting in wet carpets and potential mold issues. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist for various leak points.)
• Cracked Exhaust Manifolds (3.8L & 3.6L) 🟠 Medium — Common on both engines due to heat cycles. Can cause an exhaust leak, ticking noise, and potentially trigger O2 sensor codes.
• Clogged Heater Core 🟠 Medium — Frequently reported, leading to poor or no heat output from the vents. Often caused by casting sand left over from the engine manufacturing process clogging the core.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used wiring harness connector pigtail from a salvage yard can be a good, cost-effective repair for a damaged connector, often providing a better long-term seal than splicing multiple individual wires.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for zero signs of green or white corrosion on the connector pins.
• Ensure the wire insulation is still flexible and not brittle or cracked.
• Verify the plastic locking tabs on the connector body are intact and not broken.
• Ideally, source from a vehicle in a dry, salt-free climate.

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

• Transmission Conductor Plate (for 2012-2018 W5A580/NAG1 models). Aftermarket versions are notoriously unreliable and a frequent cause of repeat failures. Stick with Mopar or a reputable remanufacturer specializing in Mercedes/Chrysler electronics.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• For the external sensor on 42RLE models, Standard Motor Products (SMP) and Dorman are generally considered acceptable alternatives to OEM.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Avoid unbranded, low-cost conductor plates from online marketplaces for the W5A580/NAG1 transmission, as they have a high failure rate.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0705 — A companion code for the Transmission Range Sensor system that, when present with P0707, strongly points toward a sensor or circuit failure.
• P0706 — A range/performance code for the transmission sensor that often appears alongside P0707 to indicate a fault in the gear position signal.

Frequently Asked Questions