P0705 Code - Transmission hard shift into gear after stop, transmission slipping

[kirkharrald]

Hello there,

Been having a recurring issue with our 2011 4Runner. We have been getting the recurring P0705 - Transmission Range Sensor Circuit (PRNDL Input) - Code 60.

A little history, over a year ago we had this problem arise and replaced the Neutral Switch Assembly. A month ago the same thing, engine light and traction control light lit, I dumped the code and got the same P0705 code. Dealer replaced the part again as it was under warranty. Within a couple days engine light and traction control lit. Back into dealer, they discovered some corrosion in a connection. Cleaned and back in action. Couple days same alerts. As well with each alert the car experienced hard shifts when starting from stop and the odd time transmission slips as if letting out a clutch. I will be sending it back to the dealer again but before I do I want to go with some knowledge of what may be up. I cant afford taking it in over and over again, and also be without a car for days at a time so often.

Anyone experience this before and if so what was your fix.

 

[DougR]

I performed this Google search: "p0705 transmission range sensor circuit malfunction 4runner" and found over 6 hits linking to this forum. Paging though some of them, I found two posts where the person who started the thread came back to post how it was fixed. In one case, they wrote, "Fixed. Bad ground on my left rear tail light. Not sure where P0705 comes in but I'm glad it was simpler than it seemed." The other person replaced the neutral safety switch. Corrosion appears to be an issue in the 3rd link. Many who experienced this error code report various additional symptoms you may or may not be experiencing. Here are a few of the links:

Po705
P0705 Code, then clears up
First issue with my truck, any ideas what's wrong?
Neutral Safety Switch
P0705 Error and bad Neutral Sensor Switch

You'll find more hits if you perform the Google search and click "more results from toyota-4runner.org"

It appears diagnosis is a complex procedure per this link for Toyota service techs: http://www.to4runner.net/transmission_range_sensor_circuit_malfunction_prndl_input_p0705_-787.html The test procedure involves checking switches, connectors, wiring harness, grounds and the ECM.

 

[kirkharrald]

Update

Thanks Doug for the info. In looking at the details of the posts you provided the what stuck out for me was potential ground issues. I had added a brake controller to the car sometime ago. It was plug and play into the harness under the dash. In ruling out the issue I have been having I unplugged it. No P0705 occurred after a long period of driving. In that period though I experienced the same transmission issues, hard shift and slipping.

Gonna take it back to dealer. Plugged the brake controller back in to trip the code which it did with in seconds.

Will let you know what happens from dealer diagnosis. But if there is any further insight I would like to hear it. In the meantime I would like to get my hands on a electrical diagram for car. Thinking there maybe a bad ground issue in the trailer wiring circuit in that the brake controller seems to set off the engine light. All the same there is an underlying issue it seems with the transmission.

Thanks in advance for your time in responding for those that do.