Transmission Range Sensor Jeopardy...

trainfan1

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Jul 27, 2006, 7:56:51 PM7/27/06

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I just had to change the "Transmission Range Sensor" switch or TRS in
FordSpeak on my '97 3.0 Taurus(at 163,000 miles).

Anyone care to guess how I knew it needed replacement?

Here's a hint - there were no transmission or driveability problems for
the couple of weeks leading up to doing the job(I knew it had to be
done, I had the part in the car with me, it just took a while to get
around to it).

Rob

Tom Adkins

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Jul 27, 2006, 8:21:09 PM7/27/06

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The radio would cut out when you put the trans in reverse or drive ;)

Backyard Mechanic

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Jul 27, 2006, 8:42:50 PM7/27/06

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trainfan1 <lmse...@usdatanet.net> wrote:

Trouble getting starter to run?

--
Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

trainfan1

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Jul 27, 2006, 11:20:26 PM7/27/06

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Yup. Just the remote amp section, though. The control head & remote
tuner were still functioning fine.

The radio issue wasn't that bad, I have enough stuff in the car to keep
me occupied w/o broadcast radio.

The real bother was that the windows would not operate, and the power
steering would cut out, in any position other than P or N. The seat
belt light would flicker, too, along w/ a bunch of relays under the dash
"clicking about".

The real clincher that triggered the repair session was the loss of the
delay wipers, and washers, while under way. This became more of a
safety issue, so the new TRS went in. Gotta love the TRS PCM GEM
associations!

Rob

trainfan1

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Jul 27, 2006, 11:20:28 PM7/27/06

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Backyard Mechanic wrote:
> trainfan1 <lmse...@usdatanet.net> wrote:
>
>
>>I just had to change the "Transmission Range Sensor" switch or TRS in
>>FordSpeak on my '97 3.0 Taurus(at 163,000 miles).
>>
>>Anyone care to guess how I knew it needed replacement?
>>
>>Here's a hint - there were no transmission or driveability problems for
>>the couple of weeks leading up to doing the job(I knew it had to be
>>done, I had the part in the car with me, it just took a while to get
>>around to it).
>>
>>Rob
>
>
> Trouble getting starter to run?
>
>
>

Well, that would be a problem, but it did not materialize that way and I
just kept driving. T. Adkins got it - partially anyway.

Tom Adkins

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Jul 28, 2006, 12:02:59 AM7/28/06

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The circuit that seems to first be affected is the radio "mute" circuit when the TRS
starts to fail. Upon the first sign of failure, the radio seems to be the only thing
affected.
With that being said, yep, you're right about the windows and PS. I had forgoten
about those. That is the "next" failure mode of the TRS, along with various oither
accessories. I worked for Hertz when those cars were new and the big complaint was
about the radio. It was some time later that I discovered that the windows and VAPS
were also affected. Even later (1999-2002) at the dealer, the complaint was usually
the radio cutting out. The customers didn't seem to notice the lack of power windows
or steering assist and other things when they finally brought the car in for service.
I never saw the problems with the seat belt light, wipers washers, etc that you mention.
I'll take half of the cookie for my guess. I didn't exctly "win" by your GEM related
experience. WOW!

Tom Adkins

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Jul 28, 2006, 12:10:37 AM7/28/06

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Hey Rob,
OT, but... Your monicker is trainfan1. I take it that you're a bit of a rail buff. I
don't know where you are but I want to pass this on. I'm involved with the Lake Shore
Railway Association that is rebuilding the Lorain and West Virginia north through
Lorain County in Ohio.(~26 miles) Our operating season starts this weekend. If you're
interested, check out www.lakeshorerailway.org.

trainfan1

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Jul 28, 2006, 7:53:46 AM7/28/06

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Tom Adkins wrote:

Im a Lionel guy, sometimes railfanning the ADCX - Adirondack Scenic
Railroad.

Rob