Code
P0940
Generic
P — Powertrain
Hydraulic Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Views:
UK: 16
EN: 30
RU: 22
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted wiring in sensor circuit (short to battery/ignition voltage)
- Faulty hydraulic oil temperature sensor
- Poor or corroded connector or grounding at the sensor or control module
- Failed or intermittent reference power or ground from control module
- Actual hydraulic oil over-temperature or related thermal fault (cooler clogged, low fluid)
- Internal control module fault or damaged sensor harness (chafing, pinched)
Symptoms
- Transmission or hydraulic system warning lamp illuminated (CHECK TRANS/AT/PS warning)
- Stored DTC P0940 and possibly related codes
- Transmission may go into limp mode or reduced performance
- Erratic shifting, harsh engagement or shift delays (if related to transmission control)
- Visible signs of overheated hydraulic oil (burnt smell, dark oil) in severe cases
- Intermittent or constant incorrect temperature reading on scan tool/live data
What to check
- Read and record trouble codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool; note engine and hydraulic oil temperatures, vehicle speed and operating conditions
- Check live data: hydraulic oil temperature sensor voltage and reported temperature while cold and after warm-up
- Visually inspect sensor, connector and harness for damage, corrosion, melted insulation or pinched wires
- Perform a wiggle test on the harness and connector while watching live data for intermittent changes
- Verify hydraulic oil level and condition; check for signs of overheating (discoloration, odor)
- Check for related DTCs (e.g., pressure, coolant or other temperature sensors) that indicate systemic overheating
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor circuit uses a reference voltage (often 5 V) and returns 0–5 V signal; expected operating voltage depends on sensor design — check OEM spec
- Many oil-temperature sensors are thermistors: resistance changes with temperature. Expected resistance at 20–25°C commonly falls in the kilo-ohm range; consult OEM chart for exact values
- Look for a stable signal that changes smoothly with temperature; abrupt jumps or a fixed high voltage often indicate wiring/short faults
- Reference voltage (if present) should be ~5 V with key ON; sensor ground should be near 0 V
Diagnostic algorithm
- Safety first: allow hot hydraulic components to cool before touching. Use appropriate PPE.
- Capture codes and live data: note stored freeze frame. Check for additional transmission/hydraulic codes.
- Compare hydraulic oil temperature reading from scan tool to ambient/engine temp. If reading is implausibly high immediately after cold start, suspect electrical fault.
- Visually inspect sensor, connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or melted insulation. Repair any obvious problems.
- With ignition ON (engine off) backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (typically ~5 V) and sensor signal voltage. Record values.
- Check sensor ground continuity to chassis ground. Repair poor ground connections.
Likely causes
- Sensor wiring shorted to 12 V at connector or splice
- Faulty sensor with internal short or wrong resistance
- Corroded/loose connector causing high reading or intermittent high voltage
- Loss of sensor ground or damaged ground circuit causing elevated signal
- Actual hydraulic oil overheating causing a legitimately high sensor reading
Fault status
Status
Hydraulic oil temperature sensor circuit voltage higher than expected; control module stored P0940 and may reduce system performance or set a warning.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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