GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0711: Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Performance

Typical Scan Tool Data

Transmission Fluid Temperature

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine running in PARK, normal operating temperature

Parameter Normal Range: Varies near coolant temperature

Trans. Fluid Temp.

150°C (304°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

-40°C (-40°F)

Circuit/System Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a thermistor type sensor. The transmission control module (TCM) supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the sensor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the TCM senses a high signal voltage. As the transmission fluid warms, the sensor resistance lowers and the TCM senses lower voltage. The TCM uses the TFT reading in order to control the torque converter clutch (TCC), line pressure adjustments, and temperature compensated shifts.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0117, P0118, P0716, P0717, P0722, or P0723 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 8 and 18 volts.
    • The engine speed is between 500 and 6,500 RPM for 5 seconds.
    • DTC P0711 has not passed this ignition cycle.

Condition 1

    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is at least 70°C (158°F) and has changed by 55°C (99°F) since start-up.
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or greater for at least 5 minutes cumulative.
    • The TFT is -39 to +149°C (-38 to +300°F).

Condition 2

    • The ECT is at least 70°C (158°F) and has changed by 55°C (99°F) since start-up.
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or greater for at least 5 minutes cumulative.
    • The TFT is 129-149°C (264-300°F).

Condition 3

    • The calc. throttle position is between 2 and 90 percent.
    • The engine torque is between 50-1,492 N·m (37-1,100 lb ft).
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or greater.
    • The TFT is -39 to +149°C (-38 to +300°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Condition 1

The change in TFT is 2°C (4°F) or less when the TFT is -39 to +20°C (-38 to +68°F) at start-up for 80 seconds.

Condition 2

The change in TFT is 2°C (4°F) when the TFT is 129-149°C (264-300°F) at start-up for 80 seconds.

Condition 3

The change in TFT is 20°C (68°F) or less after a predetermined time.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0711 is a Type C DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0711 is a Type C DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References

Special Tools

    • J 35616 GM-Approved Terminal Test Kit
    • J 44152 Jumper Harness (20 Pins)

Circuit/System Verification

Drive the vehicle while observing the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter on the scan tool. The Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter should rise by 3°C (5°F) or greater.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the transmission 20-way harness connector.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that the TFT sensor parameter is at -40°C (-40°F).
  3. If greater than the specified range test the TCM side of the 20-way harness connector signal circuit terminal L for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TCM.
  4. Ignition OFF, test the TCM side of the transmission 20-way harness connector for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal M and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range test the low reference circuit for a an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TCM.

    Important: If the signal circuit of the TFT sensor is shorted to voltage the TFT sensor may be damaged.

  6. Install a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal L and the low reference circuit terminal M on the TCM side of the transmission 20-way harness connector. Verify the TFT sensor parameter is greater than 128°C (262°F).
  7. If less than the specified range test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the TCM.
  8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the internal transmission wiring harness or the TFT sensor.

Component Testing

Install the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) on the transmission side of the automatic transmission 20-way inline connector. Using the J 35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Refer to Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Specifications.

If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the transmission wiring harness or the TFT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the repair.

    •  Temperature Sensor, Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Valve, and Pressure Control Solenoid Valve Assemble
    •  Control Module References for TCM replacement, setup, and programming