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Home >> Ford >> 1997 >> F 150 4WD Pickup V8-5.4L SOHC VIN L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission and Drivetrain >> Transmission Control Systems >> Testing and Inspection >> Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes >> Displaying & Reading Trouble Codes >> Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Testing

Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Testing

INTRODUCTION
The transmission tester allows a technician to operate the electrical portion of the transmission range sensor. Use of the tester is divided into five steps:
- preliminary testing and diagnosis
- installation procedures
- sensor test
- switch tests - park/neutral, backup lamp and optional circuits
- disconnecting the tester

PRELIMINARY TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS
Before any diagnostic testing is done on a vehicle, some preliminary checks must be performed, as listed below. Be sure to write down your findings, especially any DTCs found, for future reference.
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition.
- Check for add-on items (phones, computers, CB radio etc).
- Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors.
- Check for vehicle modifications.
- Verify that the shift linkage is properly adjusted in OVERDRIVE.
- Verify that the transmission range (TR) sensor is properly adjusted in NEUTRAL. Verify the customer concern: upshift, downshift, coasting, engagement, noise/vibration.
- Vehicle must be at a normal operating temperature.
- Perform vehicle On-Board Diagnostics. Record all DTCs.
- Repair all non-transmission DTCs.





INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
Installing the Transmission Tester with Cable and Overlay at the transmission range (TR) sensor allows separation of the vehicle electronics from the TR sensor electronics.

During tester use, additional DTCs may be set. Therefore, it is important that all codes are erased after repair has been made. To verify elimination of all DTCs, rerun On-Board Diagnostic.

1. Disconnect the vehicle harness at transmission range (TR) sensor connector.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to pry off connectors with a screwdriver. This will damage the connector and could result in a transmission concern. Route all cables away from heat sources.

2. Set the bench/drive switch to DRIVE mode. Install digital transmission range (DTR) sensor overlay onto tester.
3. Connect interface cable E to the transmission tester and then to the TR sensor connector.
4. Turn the test select dial to the DIGITAL TR SENSOR TEST position.
5. Plug the transmission tester power supply plug into cigar lighter.

At this time, all LEDs should illuminate for a short period and then turn off. This is the tester internal circuit check.

SENSOR TEST
CAUTION: Make sure the DIGITAL 12-pin sensor cable connector (BLACK) is used. If the wrong connection is made or the slide switch is in the wrong position, the LEDs on the TR cable will give false or no response during testing resulting in the replacement of good parts.

1. Place transmission range selector lever into PARK.
2. Make sure that the E cable ANALOG/DIGITAL switch is set to DIGITAL.
3. Move the transmission range selector lever through all ranges.
4. Monitor the LEDs, located on the E cable, in each gear position. The LED should illuminate RED for the appropriate range selected.
5. If the LED for the applicable gear range position fails to illuminate RED or if it lights for a position other than the gear selected perform the following:
- Verify test cable connections at sensor and tester.
- Verify transmission shift linkage for proper adjustment.
- Verify TR sensor for proper adjustment.
- Retest.

6. If the sensor still fails to illuminate the LED RED for the selected gear range or indicates incorrect gear position, replace it.

SWITCH TEST - PARK/NEUTRAL, BACKUP LAMP AND OPTIONAL CIRCUITS
1. Turn the tester selector switch to the DIGITAL TR SENSOR TEST position.
2. Press and hold each button while moving the transmission range selector lever through each gear position.
3. Monitor each LED.
4. The status LED should indicate RED only in the indicated position. Refer to the overlay.

NOTE: The LED will turn RED when the circuit closes and turn off when the circuit is open.

5. If the LED does NOT indicate RED in the desired position, or indicates RED in another position, first verify transmission range (TR) sensor alignment and then retest. If the sensor fails, replace it.

DISCONNECTING THE TESTER
1. Disconnect the transmission tester from the transmission range (TR) sensor connector.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to pry off connectors with a screwdriver. This will damage the connector and could result in a transmission concern.

2. Reinstall the vehicle wiring harness. Verify the connection by pulling up on the harness.
3. Disconnect the transmission tester power lead from vehicle.
4. Erase all DTCs.
5. Rerun the on-board diagnostic tests to receive a pass code.
6. Verify that the customer concern has been eliminated.


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