Mitsubishi: Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Problem, 2003 mitsubishi outlander, mitsubishi outlander

Question
Hello, I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 4cyl, auto trans w/sport mode shift option. Problem: sport mode shifting (manual select shifting) does not work. The trans performs properly in the automatic mode, shifts up & down as needed, but I am unable to manually shift to a lower gear. Appears to be an electronically controlled function thru shifter. there is a light on the dash that indicates which position the shifter is in & it lights when in P,R,N, but no longer lights when in D or sport mode position. I checked ?  for possible blown fuse & also for loose or damaged electrical connectors on trans, but no problem found. I welcome any & all suggestions you may have. Thank you for your time & sharing your  knowledge with me. With gratitude, Mike

P.S. vehicle has 95K trouble free miles on it.

Answer
Hi Mike,

To be honest, I took Mitsu's because there was not a Mitsu expert. I say this because I wanted you to know I did not know what an Outlander was! My girlfriend and I were so impressed with it that she just ordered a Limited online. No kidding! Ok, so to your issue, this is in one of two areas. It could be just a bad switch to change it over, but more than likely, because the lights on the dash don't come on for D or Sport mode, it's the MLPS. The Manual Lever Position Sensor or Neutral Safety Switch or Inhibitor Switch or Prndl Switch! LOL Different names for the same thing. It bolts on the side of the transmission and must be set in the proper position. It tells the computer which gear your calling for. Because you can not achieve manual low tells me that you are possibly in "failsafe" which, in most vehicles, is second and reverse only. I suggest having a Cottman Transmission shop scan your computer for DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) which they do for no charge and resubmit to me the DTC numbers. From there I can help you do this work for yourself and possibly save a couple bucks. Hope this helps and you are having a great 4th.