P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low Input
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low Input
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles which have a transmission fluid temperature sensor (Jeep, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Infiniti, Acura, Jaguar, Lexus, etc.). Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
The transmission fluid temperature sensor (TFT) sensor produces a signal that is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine shift points, line pressure and torque converter clutch (TCC) control. The sensor is often located in the transmission oil pan.
The TFT sensor receives a reference voltage (usually 5 volts) from the PCM. It the varies its internal resistance in relation to transmission fluid temperature to send a return voltage signal to the PCM. TFT sensors are a type of negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. This means internal resistance of the sensor is inversely proportional to the oil temperature. The TFT sensor signal voltage goes down when the transmission fluid temperature goes up and vice versa.
Code P0712 is set when the PCM detects a low transmission fluid temperature sensor signal. This usually indicates the circuit is shorted.
An example of a transmission fluid temperature sensor:
Related trans fluid temperature sensor "A" circuit codes:
Code Severity & Symptoms
The severity of this code is moderate to severe. In some cases, this code can indicate a transmission problem. It’s a good idea to address this code as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a P0712 engine code may include:
Causes
Causes for this trouble code may include:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
Begin by visually inspecting the transmission fluid temperature sensor and the corresponding wiring. Look for loose connections, damaged wiring, etc. If damage is found, repair as necessary, clear the code and see if it returns. Next, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) regarding the issue. If nothing is found, you will need to move forward to step by step diagnosis of the system.
The following is a generalized procedure, as testing for this code varies between vehicles. To accurately test the system, you’ll want to refer to the manufacturer’s diagnostic flow chart.
Do some preliminary circuit testing
Use a scan tool to monitor the transmission temperature sensor data parameter. Disconnect the TFT sensor; the scan tool value should drop to a very low value. Next, connect a jumper wire across the terminals. If the scan tool now displays a very high temperature, the connections are sound and the ECM can recognize the input. This means the problem is most like the sensor and not a circuit or PCM problem.
Test the sensor
Disconnect the transmission fluid temperature sensor connector. Next, measure the resistance between the two sensor terminals using a digital multimeter set to ohms. Start the engine and watch the meter value; the values should decrease smoothly as the engine warms up (check the engine temperature gauge on the dash to ensure the engine reaches operating temperature). If engine temperature increases but TFT resistance does not decrease, the sensor is faulty and should be replaced.
Check the circuit
Check the reference voltage side of the circuit: with the ignition on, use a digital multimeter set to volts to check for a 5-volt reference from the PCM at one of the two transmission fluid temperature sensor terminals. If no reference signal is present, connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the reference voltage pin on the TFT and the reference voltage pin on the PCM. If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired. If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity.
If everything is good up to this point, you’ll want to check that there is 5-volts coming out of the PCM at the reference voltage terminal. If there is not a 5-volt reference from the PCM, the PCM is probably faulty.
Check the ground side of the circuit
Connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the ground terminal on the transmission fluid temperature sensor and the ground terminal on the PCM. If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired. If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity. Finally, check that the PCM has a good ground by attaching one meter lead to the PCM ground terminal and the other to chassis ground. Once again, If the meter reads out of limits (OL) there is an open circuit between the PCM and ground that will need to be located and repaired.
If everything in the circuit checks out, there may be a problem with the transmission. This is especially true if the transmission fluid temperature codes are set along with other transmission codes.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0712 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0712 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0712.
