P1702: Ford: transmission range sensor circuit intermittent

Range sensor circuit intermittent (Ford)

Severity: Inspect soon

A wrong gear-position signal can upset shifting, and owners of 2015–2017 F-150s report sudden downshifts with P1702. Ford recalled those trucks because a bad range sensor signal can cause unintended downshifts. Get it inspected soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The transmission suddenly downshifts at speed or the rear wheels lock or skid. Ford recalled 2015–2017 F-150s because an incorrect range sensor signal can cause this and a loss of control; pull over safely and have it towed or checked
Not verified: The transmission goes into limp-home mode (stuck in one gear, little power) or will not shift. Regulations require the light in limp-home mode, but we found no source saying whether you must stop

Source: how we rate severity

P1702 in short

On Ford vehicles, P1702 means the transmission range sensor signal, which tells the computer which gear the shifter is in, cut out intermittently. On 2015–2017 F-150s and Expeditions dealers have tied it to the internal wiring frame, and Ford has a recall. Have it inspected soon, and check for a recall first.

The transmission range sensor reports the selector position (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and so on) to the powertrain computer. Ford uses P1702 when that signal is intermittent: it drops out or jumps between positions while driving.

On 6R80 trucks the range sensor connects through a molded wiring frame inside the transmission. Owners of 2015–2017 F-150s and a 2017 Expedition quote dealers finding a failed leadframe with P1702, P0706 and P0707. Ford recalled 2015–2017 F-150s (26V-237) because degraded leadframe connections can send a wrong range signal and cause an unintended downshift; the fix is a software update plus a leadframe if range codes are stored.

On older Fords P1702 has other causes, including an external range sensor, its connector and, on the 2004 Thunderbird, a bulletin condition after a computer reprogram.

Pick your make

P1702 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

P1702 on Ford

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Internal molded leadframe (2015–2017 F-150, 2017 Expedition, 6R80)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Owners quote Ford dealers finding a failed molded leadframe with P1702, P0706 and P0707, and report that Ford program 26N04 covers the leadframe when these codes are present.
What would change this
Rises on a 2015–2017 F-150 or Expedition with P0706 or P0707 also stored and a wrench light.
Cause 2: Faulty range sensor, connector or wiring
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
The code names the range sensor circuit, and wiring and connector checks come first on any transmission input.
What would change this
Rises if the gear shown on the dash or scan tool flickers while the shifter is still.
Cause 3: Powertrain computer software (2004 Thunderbird)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford has a bulletin for the MIL, an "E" gear display, harsh shifts and P0705 and P1702 after a computer reprogram on the 2004 Thunderbird.
What would change this
Rises on a 2004 Thunderbird showing "E" for the gear position.
How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Read codes from the powertrain computer with a scan tool before anything is cleared.
Low riskTool: scan tool
- IfP0706 or P0707 is also stored on a 2015–2017 F-150 or Expedition
  It meansThis matches the leadframe failures dealers report.
  Go to step 2
- IfP0705 with an "E" gear display on a 2004 Thunderbird
  It meansFord's bulletin applies.
  Points to: Powertrain computer software (2004 Thunderbird)
- IfP1702 alone
  It meansCheck for a recall or bulletin, then the sensor circuit.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Check for open recalls and programs for your VIN at a Ford dealer or on the NHTSA site.
Low risk
- IfA 2015–2017 F-150 with recall 26V-237 open
  It meansHave the recall done; the dealer adds a leadframe if range sensor codes are stored.
  Points to: Internal molded leadframe (2015–2017 F-150, 2017 Expedition, 6R80)
- IfNo recall or program applies
  It meansA shop needs to test the range sensor circuit.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Have a shop watch the range sensor reading on a scan tool while moving the shifter through each position, then check the connector and wiring.
Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data
Warning:Shop test. Moving the shifter with the engine running needs the parking brake set and wheels chocked; wiring checks follow Ford's procedure.
- IfThe reading flickers or skips positions
  It meansThe sensor or its circuit is at fault (on 6R80 trucks, the leadframe).
  Points to: Faulty range sensor, connector or wiring
- IfThe reading is steady in every position
  It meansThe fault is intermittent; look again at the recall and leadframe.
  Points to: Internal molded leadframe (2015–2017 F-150, 2017 Expedition, 6R80)

Symptoms

Check engine light and wrench light
Harsh or erratic shifting, or the gear display blank or flickering
Sudden downshift at speed or rear wheels locking Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Transmission stuck in one gear or reduced power (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Step 1: Do not clear the code before the powertrain computer has been read.
Step 2: Ask a Ford dealer whether your VIN has an open recall or leadframe program. 2015–2017 F-150s are covered by recall 26V-237.

Parts and cost context

Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Ford's recall fix starts with a computer software update, but the hardware fix on 6R80 trucks is the internal leadframe, not a new computer.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

2015–2017 · F-150
Supported by vehicle data
Owners quote dealers finding a failed molded leadframe with P1702, P0706 and P0707, with sudden downshifts and rear wheel lockup. Ford recall 26V-237 covers trucks built 12 March 2014 to 18 August 2017 for unintended downshifts from a bad range signal; it does not name P1702. This comes from owner complaints to NHTSA that quote a shop or dealer readout, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.
Where it is:Inside the 6R80 transmission, on the molded leadframe
2017 · Expedition
Supported by vehicle data
An owner quotes a Ford dealer finding a failed transmission leadframe with P0706, P0707 and P1702. This comes from owner complaints to NHTSA that quote a shop or dealer readout, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.
2004 · Thunderbird
Supported by vehicle data
Ford 17852 covers an "E" gear display, harsh shifts and P0705 and P1702 after a computer reprogram. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

17852Status unverified
MIL, "E" gear display, harsh shifts, P0705 and P1702 after PCM reprogramming
2004thunderbird · issued June 1, 2004 · NHTSA 10008258
Covers the MIL on, "E" shown for gear position, harsh shifts and P0705 and P1702 after the powertrain computer has been reprogrammed. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Transmission codes

P1702 questions

Is P1702 covered by the F-150 downshift recall?

Recall 26V-237 covers 2015–2017 F-150s for unintended downshifts from a bad range sensor signal. Owners report Ford's leadframe program needs a range sensor code such as P1702 to be stored, so do not clear it before the dealer visit.

Sources and review

NHTSA complaint 11650397: 2017 Ford F-150, P1702 with sudden downshift — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Ford recalls 1.39 million F-150s for unintended transmission downshift (NHTSA 26V-237) — TFLtruck (read via tfltruck.com)
April 2026 Ford recall for unintended transmission downshift affecting 1,392,935 vehicles — Bizzycar (read via bizzycar.com)
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
NHTSA complaint 11650215: 2016 Ford F-150, P1702 and leadframe — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint 11728628: 2017 Ford Expedition, leadframe with P1702 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint 11769670: 2015 Ford F-150, 26N04 and P1702 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Ford P1702 — Transmission Range Sensor circuit intermittent — TAT Scan Data (Ford code list)
NHTSA complaint 11688382: 2015 Ford F-150, P1702 range sensor fault — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Tranny Problems: On the Outside Looking In — MOTOR Magazine , June 1, 2008
Ford 17852: 2004 Thunderbird MIL, "E" gear display, harsh shifts, P0705 and P1702 after PCM reprogramming — Ford Motor Company , June 1, 2004
NHTSA complaint 11715240: 2014 Ford F-150, P1702 TRS circuit intermittent — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Internal molded leadframe (2015–2017 F-150, 2017 Expedition, 6R80)

Cause 2: Faulty range sensor, connector or wiring

Cause 3: Powertrain computer software (2004 Thunderbird)

What to test first

Step 1: Read codes from the powertrain computer with a scan tool before anything is cleared.

Step 2: Check for open recalls and programs for your VIN at a Ford dealer or on the NHTSA site.

Step 3: Have a shop watch the range sensor reading on a scan tool while moving the shifter through each position, then check the connector and wiring.