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.
2003 Ford Focus L4-2.3L VIN ZFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transmission Position Sensor/Switch: Service and Repair
Transmission Range (TR) Sensor
Special Tool(s)
Removal
1. Disconnect the Transmission Range (TR) sensor electrical connector and the selector lever cable.
2. NOTE: Failure to hold the shift lever while loosening or tightening the manual shaft lever will transmit rotational torque to the TR switch and shift mechanism.
Remove the TR sensor (automatic transaxle shown removed for clarity).
1 Remove the manual control lever.
2 Remove the bolts.
Installation
1. NOTE: Failure to hold the shift lever while loosening or tightening the manual shaft lever will transmit rotational torque to the TR switch and shift mechanism.
NOTE: Do not fully tighten the bolts at this stage.
Install the TR sensor (automatic transaxle shown removed for clarity).
2. Using the special tool, align the TR sensor and tighten the bolts.
3. CAUTION: Do not use air tools on this bolt. Hold the manual control lever while tightening the manual control lever bolt, failure to the manual control lever shaft could occur.
Install the manual control lever.
4. CAUTION: Check the manual control lever is in position "3" same as "D" position.
Adjust the manual control lever to TR sensor "D" position.
1 "1" Low 1
2 "2"Low 2
3 "D" Drive
4 "N" Neutral
5 "R" Reverse
6 "P" Park
^ When in position "D" the marks on the manual control lever line up with the marks on the TR Sensor.
5. Connect the selector lever cable and the TR sensor electrical connector.
Special Tool(s)
Removal
1. Disconnect the Transmission Range (TR) sensor electrical connector and the selector lever cable.
2. NOTE: Failure to hold the shift lever while loosening or tightening the manual shaft lever will transmit rotational torque to the TR switch and shift mechanism.
Remove the TR sensor (automatic transaxle shown removed for clarity).
1 Remove the manual control lever.
2 Remove the bolts.
Installation
1. NOTE: Failure to hold the shift lever while loosening or tightening the manual shaft lever will transmit rotational torque to the TR switch and shift mechanism.
NOTE: Do not fully tighten the bolts at this stage.
Install the TR sensor (automatic transaxle shown removed for clarity).
2. Using the special tool, align the TR sensor and tighten the bolts.
3. CAUTION: Do not use air tools on this bolt. Hold the manual control lever while tightening the manual control lever bolt, failure to the manual control lever shaft could occur.
Install the manual control lever.
4. CAUTION: Check the manual control lever is in position "3" same as "D" position.
Adjust the manual control lever to TR sensor "D" position.
1 "1" Low 1
2 "2"Low 2
3 "D" Drive
4 "N" Neutral
5 "R" Reverse
6 "P" Park
^ When in position "D" the marks on the manual control lever line up with the marks on the TR Sensor.
5. Connect the selector lever cable and the TR sensor electrical connector.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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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.