Help Techs - 42LE Trans range sensor

Can I fix or replace the trans range sensor on a 02 intrepid or does a trans shop or dealer have to do it?

Apparently it is internal and the manual I have says the home mechanic shouldn't mess with it. I don't have alot of transmission experience except changing fluid & filter.

FYI I'm getting a P0706 code with a P0501 and the speedo is not working.

To repace the range sensor the valve body needs to come out. Is trans in limp-in? I would go after the p0501 code first,it is a speed sensor code and since the speedo does not work I would look at the output speed sesor (rear one in trans). Also is common for shifter cables to freeze up on these cars,if shifter is hard to move could be causing p0706 code. Do prndl lights in dash work properly?

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To repace the range sensor the valve body needs to come out. Is trans in limp-in? I would go after the p0501 code first,it is a speed sensor code and since the speedo does not work I would look at the output speed sesor (rear one in trans). Also is common for shifter cables to freeze up on these cars,if shifter is hard to move could be causing p0706 code. Do prndl lights in dash work properly?

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The trans is not in limp mode. I have replaced the speed sensors with known good ones. I checked the harness and connectors for broken or pinched wires. The shifter is smooth going from gear to gear. The prndl has squares arounds each letter on start up & I have to count shifter bumps to the drive postition. When get to drive then the square illuminates d only. It seems to me that is a malfunction because it will not illuminate r or n individually.

A possibly related issue: I just recently put a new motor in this car (3.5 ) and after starting normally a few times, now the starter will only give me a split second of crank when I turn the key then cut out regardless of how long I hold the key in the cranking position. The relay, ignition module harness & solenoid lead are good. To move the car I've had to jump the relay to get it to start. Once running, it is fine except for the speedo not operating.

I've had a couple mechs tell me they've never seen a speedo inop. and the trans not in limp mode. Figures its me blazing that path.