Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Acura RSX L4-2.0L (VTEC)FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transmission Position Sensor/Switch: Service and Repair
Replacement
1. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
2. Shift to N position.
3. Remove the transmission range switch cover.
4. Disconnect the transmission range switch connector.
5. Remove the old transmission range switch, and install the new switch.
6. Make sure that the control shaft is in N position. If necessary, move the shift lever to N position.
7. Align the cutout (A) on the rotary-frame with the neutral positioning cutouts (B) on the transmission range switch (C), then put a 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) feeler gauge blade (D) in the cutouts to hold it in the N position.
NOTE: Be sure to use a 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) blade or equivalent to hold the switch in the N position.
8. Install the transmission range switch (A) gently on the control shaft (B) with holding the N position with the 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) blade (C).
9. Tighten the bolts on the transmission range switch while you continue to hold the N position. Do not move the transmission range switch when tightening the bolts. Remove the feeler gauge.
10. Connect the connector securely, then install the transmission range switch cover (A).
11. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Move the shift lever through all gear positions, and check the transmission range switch synchronization with the A/T gear position indicator.
12. Check that the engine can start in P and N positions, and cannot start in any other shift lever position.
13. Check that the back-up lights come on when the shift lever is in R position.
14. Allow the wheels to rotate freely, then start the engine, and check the shift lever operation.
1. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
2. Shift to N position.
3. Remove the transmission range switch cover.
4. Disconnect the transmission range switch connector.
5. Remove the old transmission range switch, and install the new switch.
6. Make sure that the control shaft is in N position. If necessary, move the shift lever to N position.
7. Align the cutout (A) on the rotary-frame with the neutral positioning cutouts (B) on the transmission range switch (C), then put a 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) feeler gauge blade (D) in the cutouts to hold it in the N position.
NOTE: Be sure to use a 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) blade or equivalent to hold the switch in the N position.
8. Install the transmission range switch (A) gently on the control shaft (B) with holding the N position with the 2.0 mm (0.08 inch) blade (C).
9. Tighten the bolts on the transmission range switch while you continue to hold the N position. Do not move the transmission range switch when tightening the bolts. Remove the feeler gauge.
10. Connect the connector securely, then install the transmission range switch cover (A).
11. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Move the shift lever through all gear positions, and check the transmission range switch synchronization with the A/T gear position indicator.
12. Check that the engine can start in P and N positions, and cannot start in any other shift lever position.
13. Check that the back-up lights come on when the shift lever is in R position.
14. Allow the wheels to rotate freely, then start the engine, and check the shift lever operation.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.