1994 Crown Victoria?

PURPOSE

The Manual Lever Position (MLP) sensor provides an input signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) , notifying the PCM of the current transmission shift lever position.

CONSTRUCTION

The MLP has six separate resistors in series. Each resistor has an output connection corresponding to a transmission position (P, R, N, D, 1, 2). The output wiper arm is linked directly to the transmisssion selector linkage.

OPERATION

The PCM applies a 5.0 volt reference signal to the MLP circuit pin 30. SIG RTN circuit pin 46 supplies a ground path to the sensor. As the transmission is shifted the MLP output wiper arm moves to a corresponding resistor connection. The six inline resistors provide a separate voltage drop for each transmission position.

This is from the Ford manual - the testing is quite involved. Basically what the code means is the sensor does not agree with the transmission on what gear it is in.

Are you going to hurt anything by driving it? No.

Can it strand you? Well, sorta. If it gets severe enough, the vehicle *may* go into what is called "limp home mode" and the vehicle will still operate, but at a significantly reduced level. Most transmission related limp home modes default to second gear only (stays in second all the time). You can still get home, but not quickly or efficiently.

The sensor is *probably* bad, but it can be a bad connector or wiring - the connector is on the side of the transmission near the linkage and is vunerable to damage if something big gets kicked up from the road.

There is an old Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on this sensor that may or may not apply to you. It is copied and pasted below:

Article No.

95-3-13

02/13/95

^ TRANSMISSION - AODE/4R70W - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES - WATER INTRUSION OF THE MLP/TR SENSOR

^ TRANSMISSION - AODE/4R70W - POSSIBLE WATER INTRUSION INTO THE MLP/TR SENSOR CAUSING SHIFT CONCERNS AND/OR ENGAGEMENT CONCERNS

^ TRANSMISSION - AODE/4R70W - SHIFT CONCERNS AND/OR ENGAGEMENT CONCERNS DUE TO WATER INTRUSION OF THE MLP/TR SENSOR

FORD:

1992-95 CROWN VICTORIA

1994-95 MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY:

1992-95 GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR

1993-95 MARK VIII

1994-95 COUGAR

LIGHT TRUCK:

1994-95 E-150, F-150

ISSUE:

Some vehicles may exhibit a shift concern and/or an engagement concern due to water intrusion into the MLP/TR sensor and vehicle harness. There may also be a number of different DTC's along with those concerns.

ACTION:

Replace the MLP/TR sensor and vehicle harness connector if signs of water penetration are evident. Refer to the following procedure for service details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify the customer concern.

2. Perform normal On-Board Diagnostics.

3. Inspect the MLP/TR sensor for signs of water contamination.

4. If water penetration is present and DTC's have been set, replace the MLP/TR sensor and the vehicle harness connector with the TR Sensor Service Kit (F5AZ-7A247-A).

The TR Service Kit contains:^ One (1) TR Sensor

^ One (1) Connector Assembly

^ One (1) "Red" Pin Separator Plate

^ One (1) 6-Pin Grommet

^ Two (2) 4 mm Spacers

^ Two (2) 8 mm Spacers

^ One (1) Instruction Sheet (I.S. # 6951)

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F5AZ-7A247-A TR Sensor Service Kit

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 95-2-12

WARRANTY STATUS:

Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage And California Emissions Warranty Coverage For 1995 Crown Victoria And Grand Marquis, Mustang (3.8L), Thunderbird And Cougar (4.6L), And Town Car

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

950313A Perform Diagnostics And 2.0 Hrs.

Replace TR Sensor And

Replace Harness Connector

DEALER CODING

BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE

7F293 08

OASIS CODES:

206000, 501000, 502000, 503000, 504000,698298

The sensor isn't expensive (less than $100) and isn't hard to change - but check the connector and wiring near the linkage for damage or moisture.

Manual Lever Position Sensor

It means that your vehicle's PCM is not reading a voltage value that is within the specified range.

i own a repair shop,and its telling you the park position switch is going bad in it,and this isn't anything to worry about the car will still function fine with out that switch working right on it but that's whats causing it ,i wouldn't worry about it,,good luck.