DTC P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Input 3.8L

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is part of the automatic transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The TFT sensor is a resistor, or thermistor, which changes value based on temperature. The sensor has a negative-temperature coefficient. This means that as the temperature increases, the resistance decreases, and as the temperature decreases, the resistance increases. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the sensor on circuit 1227 and measures the voltage drop in the circuit. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the PCM detects high signal voltage. As the fluid temperature warms to a normal operating temperature, the resistance becomes less and the signal voltage decreases. The PCM uses this information to control shift quality and torque converter clutch apply.

When the PCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT signal circuit or in the TFT sensor, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

• The system voltage is 8-18 volts.
• The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT sensor indicates a signal voltage less than 0.2 volts for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• The PCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
• Important

The scan tool does not indicate the default TFT.

Important

The actions listed below are in order of highest to lowest priority.

The PCM determines a default TFT using one of the following:

1. If any ECT DTCs P0117 or P0118 are set, then the default TFT is equal to 135°C (275°F).
2. If the ECT is 125°C (257°F) or more, then the default TFT is equal to 135°C (275°F).
3. If the engine run time is less than 300 seconds and:
• No intake air temperature (IAT) DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set and IAT is available, then the default TFT is equal to IAT.
• Any IAT DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set or IAT is NOT available, then the default TFT is equal to 90°C (194°F).
4. If the engine run time is greater than 300 seconds and No IAT DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set and IAT is available and ECT is between 40 and 125°C (104 and 257°F):
• IAT at startup is less than 15°C (59°F), then the default TFT is equal to the ECT plus 5°C (8°F).
• IAT at startup is greater than 35°C (95°F), then the default TFT is equal to the ECT plus 10°C (16°F).
• IAT at startup is between 15 and 35°C (59 and 95°F), then the default TFT is equal to the ECT.
5. If the engine run time is greater than 300 seconds and any IAT DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set or IAT is NOT available, then the default TFT is equal to the ECT.
6. If the engine run time is greater than 300 seconds and ECT is less than 40°C (104°F) or more, then the default TFT is equal to 60°C (140°F).
• The PCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.
• The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.
• The PCM stores DTC P0712 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

• A scan tool can clear the DTC.
• The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
• The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and/or the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

• Inspect the connectors at the PCM, the TFT sensor and all other circuit connecting points for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
• Inspect the circuit wiring for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.
• The scan tool also displays the transmission fluid temperature in degrees. After the transmission is operating, the fluid temperature should rise steadily to a normal operating temperature, then stabilize.
• Verify customer driving habits, trailer towing, etc. Trailer towing should occur in D3.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

3. This step tests for a short to ground condition.

4. This step tests for an internal fault in the transmission by creating an open.

DTC P0712 TFT Sensor Circuit Low Input (3.8L) Step	Action	Value(s)	Yes	No
1	Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check?	--	Go to Step 2	Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls
2	Inspect for correct transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure . Did you perform the fluid checking procedure?	--	Go to Step 3	Go to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure
3	Install a Scan Tool . Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Important Before clearing the DTC, use the Scan Tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the PCM. Record the DTC Failure Records. Clear the DTC. Does the Scan Tool display a TFT Sensor signal voltage greater than the specified value?	0.2 V	Go to Diagnostic Aids	Go to Step 4
4	Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector (additional DTCs may set). Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Does the Scan Tool display a TFT Sensor signal voltage greater than the specified value?	4.92 V	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 7
5	Install the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) on the transmission side of the AT inline 20-way connector. Using the J 39200 digital multimeter (DMM) and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, measure the resistance between terminals L and M of the J 44152 . Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline Harness Connector End View . Does the resistance measure within the specified range?	3088-3942 ohms at 20°C (68°F) 159-198 ohms at 100°C (212°F)	Go to Diagnostic Aids	Go to Step 6
6	Test the signal circuit (CKT 1227) of the TFT sensor for a short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems. Did you find a short to ground condition?	--	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
7	Test the signal circuit (CKT 1227) of the TFT sensor for a short to ground between the PCM connector C2 and the AT inline 20-way connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	--	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 10
8	Replace the TFT sensor (this sensor is part of the TFP manual valve position switch). Refer to Valve Body and Pressure Switch Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	--	Go to Step 11	--
9	Replace the AT wiring harness assembly. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch Pulse Width Modulation (TCC PWM) Solenoid, TCC Solenoid, and Wiring Harness . Did you complete the replacement?	--	Go to Step 11	--
10	Replace the PCM. Refer to PCM Replacement/Programming in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement?	--	Go to Step 11	--
11	Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair: Select DTC. Select Clear Info. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Verify that the Scan Tool indicates a TFT Sensor signal voltage greater than 0.2 volts for 10 seconds. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0712. Has the test run and passed?	--	System OK	Go to Step 1