How do you know if the transmission range sensor in 96 Ford Taurus is bad?

Answer 1

I just ran into this problem. The range sensor is what is responsible for only allowing your car to start when in park or neutral. also, it is responsible for killing all power to accessories while starting your car.

If any of the following symptoms persist, replace the range sensor:

1. Power stearing will become stiff in reverse or drive

2. radio mutes while in reverse or drive

3. power windows or locks do not operate while in reverse or drive

4. windshield wipers dont work while in reverse or drive

5. blower moter does not work while in reverse or drive

6. clicking sound under the dash while in reverse or drive

The result of any or all of these problems are contributed to a renge sensor that has become internally shorted. there is a temperary work arround for this problem but you will still need to replace the sensor to correct the problem.

Temperary fix:

under the dash in the fuse pannel, pull the radio mute fuse located to the right and second to the bottom. This is only a temporary fix and the sensor will still need to be replaced. I do not know what could happen if the shorted range sensor is not replaced, it could cause all sorts of electrical problems, who knows.