GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 42254  Size: LF
Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor within the Automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure (TFP) Manual Valve Position Switch. The TFT controls the signal voltage from the PCM. The PCM supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the TFT sensor on circuit 1227. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high, and the PCM detects high signal voltage. As the transmission fluid warms, the sensor resistance decreases and the detected voltage decreases. At the transmission's normal operating temperature of 100°C (212°F) the voltage is approximately 1.5 -2 volts.

When the PCM detects a continuous open or short to power in the TFT signal circuit or the TFT sensor, then DTC P0713 sets. DTC P0713 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The system voltage is 10-17 volts.
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The TFT sensor indicates a voltage greater than 4.94 volts.
    • All conditions met for 50 seconds

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The transmission default temperature becomes 135°C (275°F).
    • The freeze shift adapts from being updated.
    • The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM turns OFF the MIL after three consecutive ignition cycles without a failure reported.
    • A scan tool can clear the DTC from the PCM history. The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the harness for a faulty connection or an open in circuit 1227.
    • Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the PCM. Inspect the wiring at the 20-way harness. Look for the following conditions:
       - A bent terminal
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Poor terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching test equipment for changes.
    • The scan tool displays the transmission fluid temperature in degrees. After the transmission is operating, the temperature should rise steadily to about 100°C (212°F).
    • Use the Temperature vs Resistance in order to test the TFT sensor at various temperatures. Test the TFT sensor at the various temperatures in order to eliminate the possibility of a skewed (mis-scaled) sensor. A skewed sensor can result in firm shifts or TCC complaints.

Test Description

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

  1. This step verifies that a problem exists in the TFT sensor circuit.

  2. This step simulates a TFT sensor DTC P0712. If the PCM receives the low signal voltage (indicating high temperature), and the scan tool displays 146°C (296°F) or greater, then the PCM and wiring are functioning normally.

  3. This step tests the TFT sensor and the Automatic Transmission wiring harness.

DTC 0713 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit -- High Input (Low Temperature Indicated)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check , Section 6

2

Check the transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Have you checked the fluid?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and the Failure Records for reference. The Clear Info function will erase the data.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

Does the scan tool display a TFT Sensor signal voltage greater than the specified voltage?

4.94 volts

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the connector 20-way connector.
  3. Install the J 39775 Jumper Harness on the engine side of the 20-way connector.
  4. Install a fused jumper wire from the terminal L to the terminal M on the engine harness.
  5. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

Does the TFT Sensor signal voltage decrease to less than the specified value?

0.196 volts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Install the J 39775 Jumper Harness on the transmission side of the 20-way connector.
  3. Using the J 39200 DVOM and J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit, measure the resistance between the terminal L and the terminal M.

Important: This resistance range is valid at 20°C (68°F). In order to verify the TFT sensor at other temperatures, refer to the Temperature vs Resistance table.

Is the resistance within specifications?

3088-3941ohms

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Remove the transmission oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  2. Check the automatic transmission wiring harness for an open. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Have you found and corrected a problem?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the automatic transmission wiring harness at the TFT sensor.
  2. Measure the resistance of the TFT sensor.

Important: This resistance range is valid at 20°C (68°F). In order to verify the TFT sensor at other temperatures, refer to the Temperature vs Resistance table.

Is the resistance within specifications?

3088-3941ohms

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

8

Replace TFP Valve Position Switch.

Refer to Pressure Switch Assembly Resistance Check .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

9

Check circuit 1227 for an open. Check circuit 1227 for a short to B+. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Have you found and corrected a problem?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

Check circuit 455 for an open. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Have you found and corrected a problem?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

11

Inspect the PCM connector terminals for the following conditions:

    • Damaged connector pins
    • Backed out connector pins
    • Weak terminal tension

Repair the connectors if necessary.

Did you find and correct a problem?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming , Section 6.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. After the repair is complete, select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Ensure that the TFT sensor indicates a voltage less than 4.92 volts for 2 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0713.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1