P0712 transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit low input

Q: Can you drive with code P0711?

Driving with the P0711 code is not advised. In some cases, the P0711 may indicate a transmission problem, so its recommended that you take your vehicle to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible. Other TFT sensor-related trouble codes include the P0710, P0712, P0713, and P0714.

Q: How do I fix error code P0713?

The most common repairs for a P0713 are as follows: Visual inspection of the transmission to determine leaks and fluid levels. If fluid is low, refill it, clear the code and monitor for it to return. Repair any obvious leaks, change fluid, clear the code and monitor for it to return.

Q: How do I fix code P0714?

What repairs can fix the P0714 code?.

Component Location

Table of Contents Show

What Does Code P0712 Mean?
How The Code Is Set
Code P0712 Symptoms
Common Causes of Code P0712
How to Diagnose P0712
What Will Fix Code P0712?
Can you drive with code P0711?
How do I fix error code P0713?
How do I fix code P0714?

General Description

The automatic transmission fluid(ATF) temperature sensor is installed in the Valve Body. This sensor uses a thermistor whose resistance changes according to the temperature changes. The TCM supplies a 5V reference voltage to the sensor, and the output voltage of the sensor changes when the ATF temperature varies. The automatic transmission fluid(ATF) temperature provides very important data for the TCM’s control of the Torque Converter Clutch, and is also used for many other purposes.

DTC Description

This DTC code is set when the ATF temperature output voltage is lower than a value generated by thermistor resistance, in a normal operating range, for approximately 1 second or longer. The TCM regards the ATF temperature as fixed at a value of 80 °C.

DTC Detecting Condition

Item	Detecting Condition	Possible Cause
DTC Strategy	Electrical Check	Short to ground in circuit Faulty sensor Faulty PCM
Enable Conditions	IG ON
Threshold Value	Voltage <0.1V
Diagnostic Time	More than 1sec
Fail Safe	Learning control and Intelligent shift are inhibited. Fluid temperature is regarded as 80?

Specification

Temperature ?(?)	Resistance (?)	Temperature ?(?)	Resistance (k?)
-40(-40)	139.5	80(176)	1.08
-20(-4)	47.7	100(212)	0.63
0(32)	18.6	120(248)	0.38
20(68)	8.1	140(284)	0.25
40(104)	3.8	160(320)	0.16
60(140)	1.98

Diagnostic Circuit Diagram

What Does Code P0712 Mean?

The transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is a varuable resistor, also called a thermistor which changes it's resistance value depending on the actual temperature of the transmission fluid. As the transmission temperature increases so does the fluid and the resistance of the sensor decreases, and conversely as the temp decreases, the sensor resistance ill increase. The Powertrain control module (PCM or ECM) provides a 5-volt reference signal to the sensor and then measures the voltage drop across the circuit. When the transmission fluid is cool the sensor resistance is high and the computer detects high signal voltage. As the fluid temperature increases up to it's normal operating temperature, the sensor resistance lowers and the sensor signal voltage will decrease.

How The Code Is Set

Transmission Control Module (TCM) or the powertrain module (depending on system) detects very low voltage from the transmmission fluid temperature sensor.

Code P0712 Symptoms

Check Engine Light on
Transmission shift problems
Shifting problems that change with temperature

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Common Causes of Code P0712

A fualty TFT sensor
Transmission Temperature sensor faulty wiring open or shorted
Temperature sensor circuit faulty electrical connections
A bad TCM or powertrain module

How to Diagnose P0712

As with any trouble code a scanner is an invaluable tool to help diagnosis. If you have one, look at the TFT sensor data when the transmission is cold then also when hot. You can use a laser thermometer pointed on the trans oil pan to compare values. If they are not close to each other, then you need to go a little further. Using a volt / ohm meter and resistance charts that show the relationship between temperatures and resistance. These charts are availble online or in your vehicle service manual. Disconnect the TFT and test the resistance across it. Now compare that to the temperature chart you have found to see if it is within the specified range. The temperature and resistance will not be exact but they will fairly close on a properly functioning TFT sensor. If the sensor is reading properly then move your fingers along the wiring harness while moving the harness around to check for an intermittant problem. If all this is good to this point then the problem may be in transmission contol module (TCM) or powertrain computer.

See Electrical Testing

What Will Fix Code P0712?

After proper diagnosis and replacing the sensor or fixing wiring or replacement of the computer. The sensor is a little difficult to replace. Depending on the veicle make and model, it is located either in the pan on the valve body or in the side cover. Clear all of the stored computer codes after repairs are made and take your vehicle for a test drive to see if you fixed the problem.

⇦ Code P0711; Code P0716 ⇨

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Can you drive with code P0711?

Driving with the P0711 code is not advised. In some cases, the P0711 may indicate a transmission problem, so it's recommended that you take your vehicle to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible. Other TFT sensor-related trouble codes include the P0710, P0712, P0713, and P0714.

How do I fix error code P0713?

The most common repairs for a P0713 are as follows: Visual inspection of the transmission to determine leaks and fluid levels. If fluid is low, refill it, clear the code and monitor for it to return. Repair any obvious leaks, change fluid, clear the code and monitor for it to return.