Subaru Outback Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

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Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

How much does a Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Subaru Outback Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $123 with $18 for parts and $104 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2012 Subaru OutbackH4-2.5LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$426.55Shop/Dealer Price$506.94 - $716.61
2007 Subaru OutbackH4-2.5LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$140.85Shop/Dealer Price$160.96 - $196.50
2018 Subaru OutbackH6-3.6LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$205.13Shop/Dealer Price$237.19 - $301.81
2002 Subaru OutbackH4-2.5LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$373.25Shop/Dealer Price$451.43 - $661.25
2003 Subaru OutbackH6-3.0LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$373.25Shop/Dealer Price$451.48 - $661.32
2001 Subaru OutbackH6-3.0LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$373.25Shop/Dealer Price$451.46 - $661.29
2000 Subaru OutbackH4-2.5LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$378.75Shop/Dealer Price$456.81 - $666.53
2016 Subaru OutbackH4-2.5LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$204.69Shop/Dealer Price$235.22 - $294.51
Show example Subaru Outback Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Replacement prices

What is the Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) all about?

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission are designed to start only in park or neutral gears. If a vehicle is able to start in reverse or drive gears, it can unintentionally move, causing damage to property or injuries to occupants or bystanders. For this reason, automakers have developed a safety shutdown called a transmission position sensor or range sensor that cuts the power to the starter control circuit if the vehicle is not in park or neutral. This sensor or switch is typically mounted on the side of the transmission and screws into the body of the transmission to detect in which gear the transmission is engaged. If the driver attempts to start the vehicle when the transmission is engaged in a gear other than park or neutral, power is not distributed to the starter circuit. The vehicle will not crank, preventing unintentional vehicle movement. If the transmission position sensor, or range sensor fails, the vehicle may be able to start while engaged in a drive gear.

Keep in mind:

  • Symptoms related to the transmission position sensor mimic those of other common problems.
  • Professional mechanics need to diagnose the symptoms for accurate repair.
  • The transmission position sensor is also commonly referred to as a transmission range sensor.

How it's done:

  • The faulty transmission position sensor switch is identified
  • The vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
  • The defective transmission position sensor switch is then removed
  • The new transmission position sensor switch is installed and the vehicle taken off the jack stands
  • The repair is verified and the vehicle is road tested for proper operation

Our recommendation:

While the transmission position sensor is does not require any routine service, as an electronic part, it can fail. If your automatic transmission-equipped vehicle is able to start in a gear other than park or neutral, or if your vehicle will not start when in park or neutral, you may need to replace the transmission position sensor.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Transmission Position Sensor (Switch)?

  • Engine will not start at all
  • Engine will only start in neutral gear, not in park
  • Engine will start in engaged in drive or reverse gear

How important is this service?

If your vehicle is able to start in gear, there is potential to cause injury to people or damage to property. If the range sensor fails, have it replaced immediately.

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Rating Summary
662
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Michael

21 years of experience
80 reviews
Michael
21 years of experience
Subaru Outback H4-2.5L - Car is not starting - Tacoma, Washington
Mike was so helpful. He was prompt and very quick to get to the issue. I felt like he knew what he was doing, and he was very open and willing to answer any questions I had so that I knew what was going on. Plus, he stayed for extra time to finish repairs that he had recommended...And to add to that he was happily working in the middle of a rainstorm the whole time!! The first time I booked him, he replaced the battery on my car. A week later, I scheduled him to come back and check it when I noticed the battery not working correctly. He found it to be a defective battery and replaced it with absolutely no charge. I appreciated it SO much. I've never had such prompt, thorough, and honest car service and advice from any other place as I have with YourMechanic and I recommend it all the time. I have booked Mike for a third time because I want help repairing all the issues with my car. YourMechanic makes it so easy for me to schedule service on my own time, in my own location, which is a lifesaver because I need my car for my work. Thank you so much, Mike for all your help!! The only thing I would appreciate from YourMechanic is to have a feature where I can contact the mechanic more directly after the service is done, in case an issue comes up, because I'd rather talk to the mechanic who worked on my car directly than to customer service in general. Even so, customer service was very helpful, even if it took a little more time and explanation of the issue on my part.

Emmette

36 years of experience
282 reviews
Emmette
36 years of experience
Subaru Outback H6-3.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Arlington, Virginia
Educational

Chris

16 years of experience
419 reviews
Chris
16 years of experience
Subaru Outback H6-3.6L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Burlingame, California
Very knowledgeable and professional. Had a few suggestions for my vehicle in the future but was not pushy. Will use again.

Brian

13 years of experience
96 reviews
Brian
13 years of experience
Subaru Outback H4-2.5L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Leander, Texas
Brian was very technical. Very patient meticulous and soft spoken. He just doesn't fix your car, but educates you at the same time. Very pleased with his service. Made sure the work place was clean of any debris before he left. Thank you Brian!

Excellent Rating

(701)

Rating Summary
662
21
5
2
11
662
21
5
2
11
Number of Subaru Outback services completed
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