'Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction' code...?

My '99, with about 84K miles and generally clean and well-kept, wouldn't restart recently, but then did after sitting for several hours. After returning from 11 days away, I now find that it won't start, at all.

Firs thought was fuel pump, but I do hear it functioning in the 'ON' position, as usual. Then....although I have had a check-engine light, as the A/C aux. electric fan relay needs to be replaced, I checked the code again, and now find:

'Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) '

IS that the NSS/Neutral Safety Switch, or something different? Presumably, whatever it is, it is the cause of the non-start condition?

Perhaps, someone will kindly advise just what the offending component is, and where it is found?

Thanks much.

***Did a bit of general searching, and found the lack of reverse lights, along with non-start, as a symptom of NSS problems. CHECK on that one....as I haven't had reverse lights for many weeks, and hadn't spent much time trying to diagnose.

Assume it is the NSS, then.....??

If so, THIS NSS refurb. info. looks helpful:

http://bc4x4.com/tech/2010/jeep-neutral-safety-switch-nss/

Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL) is also known as the Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) and cleaning it usually cures the problem.

It is located on the passenger side of the transmission.

Here is a link to a great article (good pics) on "refurbishing" the neutral safety switch on the Jeep 4.0 engine. Good bookmark.

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm

Thanks for the input, gents....

It only came part-way off, and doesn't want to budge further. Hit it with a good does of PB, and will revisit it tomorrow. Any one had experience with a stubborn one??

XpedientJ said:

...... Any one had experience with a stubborn one??

Click to expand...

They can be stubborn. The NSS itself is plastic and if you are rough with it you can break the NSS or you can break the shaft that goes into the transmission.

Not uncommon for them to be stubborn.

Using Power Blaster and letting it work overnight was a good idea, as many people break them by forcing it.

Hope it comes off today for you!

From DJ more info I have saved
NSS Cleaning Tips
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1044232
Post by diesel guy
I would recommend you use a tooth pick and slide the tiny springs over them to clean them with a tooth brush and some needle nose pliers’ to do the other small pieces.

Technical write up by
http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm

Joe Peters
Disassemble inside a plastic bag; it keeps the small parts from launching.
Drop the small parts in a jar with a little solvent and shake-shake-shake.

Post by Shorty
Yeah, I didn't have any problem with the disassembly-- it was when I got the springs and started cleaning them, that one decided to show me how good of a spring it was.