Code
P0710
Generic
P — Powertrain
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit
Views:
UK: 26
EN: 1,432
RU: 37
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or short in TFT sensor wiring or connector
- Corroded, loose or pushed-out connector pins at the sensor or PCM
- Failed TFT sensor (thermistor or electronic sensor)
- Poor ground or supply reference to the sensor circuit
- Voltage supply shorted to ground or battery voltage
- Internal PCM fault (less common)
Symptoms
- MIL (Check Engine) lamp illuminated
- Transmission may shift harshly, oddly, or default to limp mode
- Incorrect or missing transmission temperature reading in scan tool/live data
- Possible poor fuel economy or reduced engine/transmission performance
- Freeze-frame or stored data showing abnormal transmission temp values (very high, very low, or fluctuating)
What to check
- Scan for P0710 and related codes; record freeze-frame and live data for TFT
- Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or fluid contamination
- Backprobe harness at the sensor with a scan tool to view temperature value and voltage while cold and after warm-up
- Check for proper reference voltage and ground at the sensor connector with key on
- Measure sensor resistance vs temperature (if sensor is a thermistor) and compare to factory spec
- Perform wiring continuity and short-to-power/short-to-ground tests between sensor and PCM
Signal parameters
- Sensor type: usually a thermistor (negative temperature coefficient) or electronic sensor — resistance typically decreases as temperature rises
- Analog thermistor behavior: resistance falls with increasing fluid temperature; PCM converts to temperature
- Expected PCM input voltage varies by design; common analog ranges are roughly 0.5–4.5 V depending on temperature and vehicle (check OEM spec)
- An open circuit typically yields a very high resistance or an out-of-range voltage (often near supply or 0 V depending on wiring); a short to ground will pull voltage toward 0 V, a short to battery toward supply voltage
- Watch live-data: steady, sensible rise in temperature as fluid warms; erratic, frozen, or extreme values indicate a problem
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve codes and freeze-frame data. Check for related transmission or sensor codes (e.g., other TFT codes, wiring, or PCM codes).
- Perform visual inspection: check connector for corrosion, bent pins, fluid intrusion, or damage. Repair or clean as needed.
- With ignition on (engine OFF), backprobe the sensor connector. Verify reference voltage (if present) and good ground. Compare to OEM expected voltages.
- If sensor is a thermistor, disconnect it and measure resistance at ambient temperature; compare to specification or verify resistance changes when warmed (by hand or controlled heat). If sensor is digital, check signal voltage behavior while changing fluid temperature.
- Check continuity between the sensor and PCM for opens. Check for shorts to battery and ground.
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring live data to find intermittent opens/shorts. Inspect routing for chafing or pinches.
Likely causes
- Wiring harness damage (pinched, chafed, rodent bite) causing open/short
- Connector corrosion/loose connection at transmission sensor
- Failed transmission fluid temperature sensor element
- Bad sensor ground or reference circuit
Fault status
Status
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit — open/short/erratic signal detected. MIL stored.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
Similar codes
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email