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Mercedes-Benz E420 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 Mercedes-Benz E420 Transmission Position Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $284 with $189 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1995 Mercedes-Benz E420V8-4.2LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$492.55Shop/Dealer Price$604.44 - $900.74
1997 Mercedes-Benz E420V8-4.2LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$484.35Shop/Dealer Price$599.22 - $904.39
1994 Mercedes-Benz E420V8-4.2LService typeTransmission Position Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$472.55Shop/Dealer Price$584.47 - $880.79
Show example Mercedes-Benz E420 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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Excellent Rating

(24)
Rating Summary
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Tien

23 years of experience
903 reviews
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Tien
23 years of experience
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by Gene
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Transmission Fluid Service - Berkeley, California
Prompt and competent.

Brian

22 years of experience
132 reviews
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Brian
22 years of experience
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by JP
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Oil Change - Springfield, Virginia
It's the second time Brian has worked on my car (I should've left a comment the first time, but forgot). Each time he not only has been efficient, he's been a real professional. We also have a good time while he works. He's worked on my car at home and at my office and no matter where he works, I've been very satisfied. Owning an older model Mercedes Benz, I always worry that others won't treat it the way I feel it should be treated, but Brian does. He's knowledgeable and gentle with every part he handles and every screw or bolt he turns--I appreciate that. If my first two experiences are any indication of the future, my car is in good hands. Thanks Brian.

TJ

22 years of experience
34 reviews
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TJ
22 years of experience
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by Jeffrey
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Radiator - Glen Burnie, Maryland
See the rating areas

Richard

21 years of experience
461 reviews
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Richard
21 years of experience
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by James
Mercedes-Benz E420 V8-4.2L - Fuel Pump - Atlanta, Georgia
I would highly recommend

Excellent Rating

(24)
Rating Summary
18
2
1
0
3
18
2
1
0
3
Number of Mercedes-Benz E420 services completed
264+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

Learn more about us

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