GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 1441837  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. As the transmission fluid warms up, the sensor resistance decreases. This diagnostic monitors the TFT sensor circuit. The circuit may be functional but not in the normal operating range. This diagnostic indicates stuck, erratic, intermittent, or skewed values, resulting in reduced system performance. The TFT sensor range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +304°F).

If the transmission control module (TCM) detects an intermittent voltage or no voltage change in the TFT sensor circuit, then DTC P0711 sets. DTC P0711 is a type C DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No ECT DTC P0117 or P0118.
    • No ISS DTC P0716 or P0717.
    • No OSS DTC P0722 or P0723.
    • DTC P0711 has not passed this ignition cycle.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is at least 70°C (158°F) and has changed by 55°C (99°F) since start-up for Condition 1 and Condition 2.
    • The TFT is -39 to +149°C (-38 to +300°F).
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or greater for at least 5 minutes cumulative for Condition 1 and Condition 2.
    • The torque converter clutch (TCC) slip is 120 RPM or greater for at least 5 minutes cumulative for Condition 1.
    • The calc. throttle position is between 8 and 90 percent for Condition 3.
    • The engine torque is 50 N·m (37 lb ft) or greater for Condition 3.
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or greater for Condition 3.
    • The engine speed is greater than 500 RPM for Condition 3.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P0711 sets when 1 of the following conditions occurs:

Condition 1

The change in TFT is 2°C (4°F) or less when the TFT is -40 to +20°C (-40 to +68°F) at start-up for 80 seconds.

Condition 2

The change in TFT is 2°C (4°F) when the TFT is 129-150°C (264-302°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

    • The TCM does not request the engine control module (ECM) to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM calculates a default TFT from the ECT sensor and the engine run time.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0711 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool can clear the DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Test Description

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

  1. This step attempts to repeat the condition that set the DTC.

  2. This step attempts to repeat the condition in the engine wiring harness.

  3. This step determines if a condition exists with the TCM or TFT sensor.

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Did you perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  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 for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Failure Records from the TCM.

  4. Record the Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Record the temperature at the start and end of the trip.
  7. Drive the vehicle for at least 7 minutes.

Did you record the temperatures?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

Did the TFT rise greater than the specified value?

2°C (3.6°F)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Install the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) on the engine side of the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector.
  4. Using the J 35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, install a 12-volt test light between the TFT sensor terminal of the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. While observing Trans. Fluid Temp. on the scan tool, wiggle the engine wiring harness from the TCM connectors to the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector.

Does the TFT change by greater than the specified value?

20°C (36°F) in 0.20 second

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Using a scan tool, observe the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter.

Does the TFT change greater than the specified value when the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector is disconnected?

1.5°C (2.7°F)

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

7

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the TCM and the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Refer to:

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Wiring Repairs

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

8

Test the low reference circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the TCM and the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector. Refer to:

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Wiring Repairs

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

9

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Circuit Testing .

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Test the low reference circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Circuit Testing .

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness assembly. Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the TFT sensor. Refer to Fluid Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Drive the vehicle from a cool start, for at least 5 minutes. The rise in TFT must be at least 3°C (5.4°F) since start-up.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0711.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

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 - Vehicle

System OK