P0712: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input DTC Trouble Code

A P0712 DTC could mean one of two things: 1. The transmission fluid temperature sensor has performed correctly and the fluid temperature has exceeded acceptable limits. 2. There is a malfunction with the TFT sensor and/or the wiring.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

How Serious is the Code?

Having a P0712 OBDII code could be serious if the transmission has overheated to the point that internal damage has occurred. If the transmission fluid temperature sensor has failed, the ECU could potentially lock the transmission into Limp Mode, which severely restricts drivability.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of a P0712 DTC include:

  • Check engine light
  • Overheating transmission
  • Slipping between the gears
  • Delayed, unusually harsh or erratic shifts
  • Torque convertor lockup clutch malfunction
  • Limp Mode

Causes

The typical causes of a P0712 trouble code include:

  • A bad transmission fluid temperature sensor
  • Dirty transmission fluid and/or a clogged transmission filter
  • Low transmission fluid level
  • Transmission fluid leak
  • Damaged or corroded wiring connectors
  • Damaged wiring, a short or corrosion

How to Diagnose the Code?

First of all, check the condition and level of transmission fluid. Because burnt/dirty ATF will both increase transmission temperature, and prevent the TFT sensor from working properly. Should ATF be clean and usable, then check the ECU for other DTC codes. Also, check for damage and shorts in the wiring, along with damaged/corroded connectors. If everything looks good, then you’ll need to test the transmission fluid temperature sensor with a volt meter.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing

If the transmission isn’t overheating and the code is present, overlooking a short in the wiring could lead to a misdiagnosis.

What Repairs Will Fix P0712?

  • Install a new transmission fluid temperature sensor
  • Change dirty transmission fluid
  • Change transmission filter
  • Fix transmission fluid leaks
  • Fix shorts in the wiring and/or damage
  • Fix corroded or damaged connectors

Related Codes

P0710 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit

P0711 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

P0713 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input

P0714 – Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Links To Diagnostic Codes

Links To Symptoms

Comments

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Ed kenney
1 year ago

My 2005 Ford econol van ,I’m having problems with my transmission the first 3 gears I can’t get they slip but if I can get to 4,5 gears they work fine was able to work through the first 3 gears to get to the higher gears but had it cleaned and now won’t get out of 1 st gear and very low transmission fluid ,not showing up on the dip stick

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