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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2003 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Body Control System 🢒 DTC P0712

Object Number: 844956 Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor whose resistance value changes based on temperature. The PCM provides a 5 volt reference to the sensor circuit. A high fluid temperature or a short to ground on the signal circuit results in low signal voltage. The TFT sensor operating range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +304°F).

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

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The system voltage is 9-18 volts.
    • The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects a TFT sensor voltage of less than 0.2 volts for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The PCM does not turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The PCM calculates a default TFT from the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor.
    • 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 the DTC passes.

Test Description

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

  1. A value below 0.2 volts indicates the fault is present. A value above 0.2 volts indicates the fault is intermittent.

    2.

  2. A value greater than 4.9 volts indicates the fault is in the transmission side.

    3.

  3. For resistance at other temperatures, refer to Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Specifications.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 3.8L

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the PCM.

  3. Record the Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTCs.
  5. With the scan tool, observe the TFT Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the TFT sensor voltage is less than specified?

0.2 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the transmission 20-way connector. Additional DTCs will set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the TFT Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the TFT sensor voltage is greater than specified?

4.9 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit (CKT 1227) of the TFT sensor for a short to ground between the PCM and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Connect the J 44152 jumper harness to the transmission side of the 20-way connector.
  2. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, connect the DMM from terminal L to terminal M of the J 44152 .

    3. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

  3. Measure the resistance.

Does the resistance measure within the range specified for the given transmission temperatures?

3,164-3,867 ohms @ 20°C (68°F)

225-285 ohms @ 88°C (190°F)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

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 Testing for Short to Ground in Wiring Systems.

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L

7
  1. Disconnect the TFT sensor from the transmission internal wiring harness.
  2. Test the signal circuit (CKT 1227) and the low reference circuit (CKT 452) for a short together between the A/T inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor.

    3. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the TFT sensor.

Refer to Fluid Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Perform the following procedure In order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
    4. • Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
    • Verify that the TFT sensor voltage is greater than 0.2 volts for 10 seconds.
  4. Select specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0712.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

 

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List in Engine Controls - 3.8L

System OK