Code
P0713
GWM
P — Powertrain
- Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor High
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted sensor wiring (open to voltage or poor connection)
- Corroded, loose or damaged connector at sensor or module
- Failed transmission fluid temperature sensor (thermistor)
- Poor ground or reference voltage fault at TCM/PCM
- Faulty TCM/PCM input circuit
- Incorrect or very low transmission fluid level or degraded fluid causing sensor exposure
Symptoms
- MIL/Check Engine light on
- Transmission may shift erratically, harshly or go into limp/reduced functionality mode
- Incorrect transmission temperature reading(s) on scan tool (abnormally low/high or out-of-range)
- Possible delayed upshifts or torque management due to incorrect temperature input
- No other obvious transmission noise — fault can be electrical without mechanical symptoms
What to check
- Read freeze frame and live data with a capable scan tool; note TFT readings and related trouble codes
- Compare TFT reading to engine coolant temperature and ambient; watch response as transmission warms
- Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out, or contamination
- Backprobe sensor signal, reference (usually 5 V) and ground with multimeter; verify proper voltages with key ON
- Measure sensor resistance (or voltage) at known temperatures (cold and warmed fluid) and compare to factory specs
- Wiggle test wiring while watching live data to detect intermittent faults
Signal parameters
- Most TFT sensors are thermistors using a 5 V reference and ground with a signal return to the PCM/TCM.
- Typical signal voltage range across operating temperature is roughly 0.2–4.8 V (varies by design).
- An open circuit or short to reference can produce voltages near the reference (e.g., >4.5 V) — consult factory manual for exact thresholds.
- Resistance vs. temperature is sensor-specific; consult the vehicle's service data for exact ohm values at given temperatures.
- Expected behavior: signal voltage should change gradually as transmission fluid temperature changes; sudden fixed high value indicates circuit fault.
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a scan tool, record freeze frame and live TFT values, and note any related transmission codes.
- Visually inspect the TFT sensor connector and harness for damage, corrosion, pins pushed out, or moisture ingress.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the sensor connector: verify 5 V reference (if present), signal voltage, and ground continuity to module ground.
- If reference or ground is missing or out of spec, trace wiring to the PCM/TCM and repair the open/poor ground or reference feed.
- Measure sensor resistance: if resistance is infinite or outside factory range, remove sensor and bench-test or replace sensor.
- If bench/ohm tests are good, with sensor connected monitor live voltage while warming transmission fluid (idle or road test) and verify signal changes smoothly.
- Wiggle the harness between sensor and module to check for intermittent faults. Repair or replace damaged wiring or connector as needed.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test to confirm TFT readings return to normal and code does not reappear.
- If wiring and sensor check good but code persists, test/inspect the PCM/TCM input circuit and consider module diagnostics or replacement per factory procedure.
Likely causes
- Broken or disconnected sensor harness (open circuit) — most common
- Corroded connector pins allowing intermittent high resistance/high voltage
- Failed TFT sensor (internal short or open)
- Short to 5V reference causing an abnormally high voltage at the signal pin
- Damaged/poor ground at control module or sensor ground
- Module fault less commonly (verify wiring and sensor before replacing module)
Fault status
Status
P0713 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input: The transmission control module detects an abnormally high signal/voltage on the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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