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P0705 on Toyota Highlander

Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0705 specifically for the Toyota Highlander (2020–2026, 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Toyota Highlander2020–2026
Toyota Highlander
SUV2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Highlander SAE Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Drivable (Short Trip)
High urgency level
Est. Repair Cost
$120 - $450 (DIY: $40 - $160)
Parts & Labor DIY
Check P0705 On Another Toyota Model:
Diagnose P0705 on Specific Highlander Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0705 on Toyota Highlander

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid) logs fault code P0705, drivers commonly observe:

Check Engine Light on on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Vehicle will not crank/start in Park (starts only in Neutral) on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Gear indicator on dashboard (P R N D 1 2) is blank or displays wrong gear on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Transmission shifts harshly or goes into 3rd gear limp mode on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Reverse backup lights fail to illuminate on Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid)
Toyota Highlander OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Under driver steering column near kick panel. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Toyota Highlander

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Toyota Highlander point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Misaligned or faulty Transmission Range Sensor / Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) (Toyota OEM Part)
25%
Corroded or water-logged connector on transmission side (Toyota OEM Part)
12%
Stretched or misadjusted shift linkage cable (Toyota OEM Part)
8%
Broken internal switch contacts (Toyota OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Toyota Highlander.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Toyota Highlander

01
Check PRNDL Live Data

Move gear selector through all positions while monitoring scan tool TR PID to see which gear positions fail to register. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
02
Inspect Shift Cable Alignment

Ensure the mechanical shift linkage fully clicks the transmission lever into the physical detent for Park and Neutral. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: Pliers, Socket Set
03
Test Neutral Safety Switch Continuity

Use multimeter to check continuity across switch pins in Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: Digital Multimeter
04
Replace or Re-align Range Sensor

Loosen mounting bolts, use alignment pin to align sensor slot with transmission shaft in Neutral, torque bolts, or install new OEM sensor. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: 10mm/12mm Sockets, Alignment Pin
05
Clear Trouble Codes and Verify Starting

Clear DTCs and confirm engine starts in Park and Neutral, reverse lights activate, and gear display is accurate. on the Toyota Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
Recommended Parts & Testing Tools

Equipment for Diagnosing Toyota Highlander (P0705)

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Direct-Fit Replacement Part

Toyota Highlander OEM Replacement Sensor

4.7 / 5.0 (Verified Fit)

Direct-fit replacement assembly engineered to OEM tolerances for Toyota Highlander.

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Sensor Signal Voltage Meter

AstroAI Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

4.6 / 5.0 (Best Seller)

Essential for testing 0.1V–5.0V sensor reference signals, ground continuity (<0.20Ω), and harness resistance.

$29.99 Prime
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Top Mobile OBD-II Scanner

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

4.7 / 5.0 (50,000+ Reviews)

Reads and clears enhanced codes (ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Engine) & live freeze-frame telemetry on phone.

Compare OEM & Aftermarket Replacement Sensors for Toyota HighlanderVerified direct-fit pricing from Denso, Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco on Amazon.
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Other Common Fault Codes on Toyota Highlander

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Toyota Highlander:

4. Toyota Highlander P0705 FAQs

What causes code P0705 to trigger on a Toyota Highlander?

On the Toyota Highlander (2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl (T24A-FTS 265HP) / 3.5L V6 / 2.5L Hybrid), P0705 is most frequently caused by Misaligned or faulty Transmission Range Sensor / Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) or Corroded or water-logged connector on transmission side.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Toyota Highlander?

On the Toyota Highlander, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Under driver steering column near kick panel. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Toyota Highlander with code P0705?

Caution. Vehicle may not start in Park, backup lights may not work, and transmission may lock in Limp Mode. Given that P0705 carries a High severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.