anyone changed the TRS without the alignment tool??

[northern piper]

I am going to change the transmission range sensor on my 2000 windstar tonight. I have a few posts about the problems I've been having (flashing od light..) on the site currently. Has anyone changed this sensor without using the tool? Any tips appreciated.

Piper

[tripletdaddy]

My Haynes manual says that the alignment tool is not absolutely necessary. "To install the sensor (vehicle in neutral for the whole procedure), line up the flats on the switch with the flats in the shaft and lower the sensor onto the shaft." "The alignment of the sensor is made by moving the switch slightly when tightening the two mounting bolts." I'm not sure if it is helpful, but they say if you were going to reuse your original sensor, to position it so that the bolts cover the bolt circles that were marked on it.

[12Ounce]

My new TRS switch had an alignment scribe mark in the plastic case for neutral position. Seemed to work OK.