P0707 on 2015-2020 Ford F-150: Transmission Range Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2020 Ford F-150

The 2015-2020 F-150 (Thirteenth Generation) is unique regarding this code, particularly models with the 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission. Unlike many vehicles with an easily accessible external sensor, Ford integrated the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) into a component called the molded lead frame. This lead frame is a plastic and metal assembly that houses sensors and electrical pathways, and it is located inside the transmission oil pan, attached to the valve body. This design makes replacement more complex and is the subject of a major recall for sudden downshifting issues related to sensor failures on the lead frame.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light and/or Wrench Light illuminated
• Vehicle will not crank or start
• Gear indicator on the dashboard is blank or incorrect
• Transmission is stuck in one gear (limp mode)
• Sudden, harsh, and unintended downshift while driving
• Engine revs as if in Neutral when a gear is selected
• Inability to shift out of Park
• Gear indicator ('D') and shift numbers on the dash screen flicker erratically
🎬 Watch: Diagnose a blank gear indicator and no-start issue

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Molded Lead Frame 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Valve Body The internal electrical connections on the lead frame degrade from heat and vibration, causing intermittent or total signal loss from the integrated Transmission Range Sensor. This is a well-documented failure and the subject of recalls and customer satisfaction programs on models with the 6R80 transmission. NHTSA ODI #11655716 notes that this bad sensor in the lead frame can cause the vehicle to become non-operational.
   How to confirm: Scan for codes P0706 and P0707. Often, other speed sensor codes (like P0720, P0722) related to the lead frame will be present. Diagnosis involves testing the wiring harness connector at the transmission for proper voltage. If the external wiring is good, the lead frame is the presumed faulty part.
   Typical fix: Replace the molded lead frame assembly inside the transmission. This requires draining the fluid, dropping the pan, and removing the valve body to access the part. The bulkhead connector sleeve, pan gasket, and filter should be replaced at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $250-$450
2. Damaged Wiring Harness or Connector ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness leading to the transmission can be damaged by road debris or excessive heat from the nearby exhaust, causing a short or open circuit. The main connector at the transmission case can also allow moisture intrusion, leading to corrosion. NHTSA ODI #11470882 describes a case where a mechanic suspected a moisture problem after the vehicle threw codes P0706, P0707, P1702, and P1721.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness from the PCM to the transmission case connector. Check for melted, chafed, or broken wires. Disconnect the main harness and check for corrosion or bent pins. Perform a continuity and voltage drop test on the sensor circuit wires. A dealer technician noted that jumpering certain wires could allow the truck to start, pointing towards a wiring issue rather than an internal one.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the corroded connector.
   Est. part cost: $20-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very uncommon. The PCM should only be considered after the lead frame and all wiring have been thoroughly tested and confirmed to be in good working order. A PCM failure can mimic the symptoms of a bad sensor circuit.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm the presence of P0707 and any other related transmission codes.
2. Check for any applicable recalls or customer satisfaction programs using the vehicle's VIN. Recall 19S07 (NHTSA 19V075) and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 address lead frame issues that can cause unintended downshifts and other symptoms.
3. Visually inspect the external wiring harness leading to the transmission's main connector. Look for any signs of melting, chafing, or physical damage, particularly near the exhaust.
4. Inspect the main transmission harness connector for corrosion, moisture, or backed-out pins. Apply dielectric grease (like Motorcraft XG-12) upon reassembly to prevent future moisture intrusion.
5. Using a wiring diagram, test for correct reference voltage and ground at the transmission connector. If voltage is low or absent, trace the wiring back to the PCM to find the fault.
6. If external wiring and voltages are correct, the fault is almost certainly internal to the transmission, pointing to the molded lead frame.
7. If replacing the lead frame, drain the transmission fluid, remove the transmission pan, and unbolt the valve body to access and replace the lead frame assembly. It is critical to also replace the bulkhead connector sleeve at the same time.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Molded Lead Frame / Control Assembly (OEM #AL3Z-7G276-D (for 6R80)) — This assembly contains the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) that fails, causing the P0707 code. It is the most common point of failure for this issue on this platform.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Dorman
  OEM price range: $300-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$350
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #N/A) — The transmission fluid must be drained to perform the repair and should be replaced with new fluid. Use only the specified Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid. A drain and fill for this job requires 9-10 quarts.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$120
• Transmission Pan Gasket (OEM #HL3Z-7A191-B) — The pan gasket is a one-time use item and must be replaced to prevent leaks after the service.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Fel-Pro
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$40
• Transmission Filter (OEM #HL3Z-7A098-A) — The filter should always be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $50-$75
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Bulkhead Connector Sleeve (OEM #BL3Z-7G276-A) — This seal for the main electrical connector is a common leak point and should always be replaced when the lead frame is serviced to prevent future fluid leaks and electrical issues. 🎬 Watch: How replacing the lead frame fixes shifting problems
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $15-$30
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0706 — This code for 'Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance' often appears with P0707 because both indicate a problem with the signal from the same sensor.
• P1702 — This Ford-specific code can be triggered by an invalid signal from the Transmission Range Sensor, indicating a discrepancy between the selected gear and the sensor's output.
• U0100 — This code indicates a loss of communication with the ECM/PCM. A severe electrical fault in the lead frame or its wiring can sometimes disrupt communication on the CAN bus network.
• P0720 — Output Speed Sensor (OSS) Circuit Malfunction. The OSS is also located on the molded lead frame, and its failure is a common companion code.
• P0722 — Output Speed Sensor (OSS) Circuit No Signal. Similar to P0720, this points directly to a failure of a sensor on the lead frame assembly.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A recall (NHTSA ID: 19V075, Ford Campaign: 19S07) was issued for some F-150s for an issue where a faulty signal from the lead frame's output speed sensor could cause a sudden, unintended downshift into first gear, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy involves a PCM software update and, if necessary, replacement of the lead frame.
• Ford also initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01, extending the warranty coverage for molded lead frame replacement on certain vehicles to 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) 'A' Circuit Voltage — expected: A distinct voltage for each gear position (e.g., Park: ~3.1V, Reverse: ~2.7V).. Failure: Voltage is stuck below 0.5V regardless of gear selection.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Self Test -> Powertrain -> Transmission -> Retrieve Continuous Memory DTCs — To pull all stored and active transmission-related codes, which often include companion codes to P0707 that help confirm a lead frame failure.
• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Datalogger -> Transmission -> PID: TR_V (Transmission Range Sensor Voltage) — To monitor the live voltage output from the TRS while shifting through gears. This is critical for confirming if the sensor signal is truly low or absent, as indicated by the P0707 code.
• Ford IDS (Integrated Diagnostic System): Module Programming -> Transmission Characterization — After replacing the valve body or the entire transmission. It is used to upload the solenoid body strategy and ID into the PCM. This is not typically required for a lead-frame-only replacement.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• C175T — The main 50-pin connector at the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).. This connector contains the pins for the four transmission range sensor signals (TR1, TR2, TR3, TR4) coming from the transmission. Testing for signal presence at these pins can isolate a wiring problem from an internal transmission (lead frame) problem.
• Transmission Range Sensor Pins at C175T — Pins 17 (TR4), 26 (TR1), 27 (TR2), and 30 (TR3) on the PCM connector C175T.. These are the specific pins to back-probe with a multimeter to verify if the digital signals from the TRS are reaching the PCM. An absence of signal here, when it's present at the transmission connector, indicates a wiring harness fault.
• Engine Harness Chafe Point — The main engine wiring harness may rub against the frame rail or other brackets in the driver's side wheel well area.. Over time, vibration can cause wires within the loom to chafe and short to ground, which can cause a low voltage condition on the TRS circuit and trigger a P0707 code, even if the lead frame is good.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/f150 (2014 Ford F-150 Raptor) — Wrench light on, no gear indicator on the dash, no-start condition. Codes P0706 and P0707 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the molded lead frame with an aftermarket part from Amazon., Replaced the aftermarket lead frame with a genuine Ford OEM lead frame.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner suspected a wiring harness or relay issue after the second lead frame did not fix the problem. The gear indicator would flicker when going over bumps, pointing towards an intermittent connection in the external wiring harness rather than the internal lead frame.
• NHTSA ODI #11476584 — An owner reported that a slight movement or wiggle to the shifter caused the transmission range indicator to remain illuminated, and a dealer found multiple codes including P0707 and P1702.

OEM Part Supersession History

• AL3Z-7G276-A, AL3Z-7G276-B → AL3Z-7G276-D — Revision and improvement of the part to address common failure modes.
  Heads up: The 'D' revision is the most current and recommended replacement for earlier versions on 6R80 transmissions.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Frozen Door Latches 🔴 High — Very common in 2015-2017 models, especially in cold climates. Doors may not open or may not latch closed. (Ref: Recall 17S33, TSB 16-0155)
• 10R80 10-Speed Transmission Harsh/Erratic Shifting 🟠 Medium → Shop Transmission Assembly — Widespread on 2017-2020 models with the 10-speed transmission. Can manifest as harsh shifts, jerking, or delayed engagement. (Ref: TSB 23-2123, TSB 18-2079)
• 5.0L V8 Coyote Engine Excessive Oil Consumption 🔴 High — Affects some 2018-2020 models with the 5.0L engine. Can consume over 1 quart of oil in 3,000 miles. (Ref: TSB 19-2365)
• Warping Dashboard 🟡 Low — Common across the generation, particularly in warmer climates. The plastic dash panel above the glovebox and on the sides of the center stack can lift and warp.
• Panoramic Sunroof Leaks/Rattles 🟠 Medium — The panoramic sunroof can develop rattles from the frame or leaks due to clogged drain tubes, potentially causing water damage to the headliner.
• Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion 🟡 Low — Paint can bubble on aluminum panels like the hood and tailgate due to contamination during manufacturing. (Ref: TSB 16-0028)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, using a used (junkyard) molded lead frame is strongly discouraged. The failure rate of this part is high due to its design and exposure to heat, and a used part carries a significant risk of premature failure. It is not a component where used parts offer good value.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable as used parts are not recommended.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Molded Lead Frame

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Dorman is the most common aftermarket alternative. Forum users report mixed results; some have had success with the Dorman 926-149 part, while others have experienced failures. It is often used when the OEM Motorcraft part is on backorder, but OEM is preferred.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, low-cost lead frames sold on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have a higher reported failure rate and should be avoided.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0706 — Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance; frequently appears alongside P0707 when the lead frame fails to provide a consistent signal.
• P0720 — Output Speed Sensor circuit fault; often triggered by the same internal lead frame degradation that causes P0707.
• P0722 — Output Speed Sensor No Signal; a companion code related to lead frame failure that can lead to unintended downshifts.

Frequently Asked Questions