GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The output speed sensor (OSS), provides vehicle speed information to the transmission control module (TCM). The OSS is a permanent magnet generator. The sensor is mounted in the transmission case facing the rear internal gear which is splined to the output shaft assembly. As the output shaft and internal gear rotate, the toothed rotor of the internal gear produces AC voltage as the rotor teeth pass through the magnetic field of the sensor. The AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase as the speed of the vehicle increases. The TCM converts the voltage to vehicle speed. The TCM uses the output shaft speed signal to determine shift timing and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.

If the TCM detects no vehicle speed when there is engine speed in a drive gear range, then DTC P0722 sets. DTC P0722 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0722 Output Speed Sensor Circuit Low Voltage.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No OSS DTC P0723.
    • No transmission fluid pressure (TFP) DTCs P1810, P1815, P1816.
    • Ignition voltage between 8-18 volts.
    • TFT is between -40°C (-40°F) and 150°C (302°F).
    • The engine run time is greater than 5 seconds.
    • The throttle position is greater than 12 percent.
    • The engine torque is between 108 N·m (80 lb ft) and 882 N·m (651 lb ft).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The transmission OSS is less than 50 RPM for 3 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM calculates vehicle speed from the automatic transmission engine RPM and commanded gear.
    • At the time of the first failure, the TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record.
    • At the time of the second failure, the engine control module (ECM) records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0722 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the sixth consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request.
    • A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the default actions when the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the rear internal gear teeth for damage.
    • Visually inspect the OSS for cracks or damage.
    • Ensure the OSS is properly torqued to the transmission housing.

Test Description

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

  1. Disable the traction control system when performing this step. When the ignition key is cycled to the OFF position and then cycled back ON, the traction control system defaults to ON.

  2. This step tests the OSS.

  3. This step tests the integrity of the OSS.

DTC P0722

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Important:: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the transmission control module (TCM).

  4. Record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Raise and support the rear axle assembly.
  7. Start the engine.
  8. Disable the traction control system.
  9. Place the transmission in any drive range.

With the drive wheels rotating, does the scan tool Transmission OSS parameter increase with the drive wheel speed?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the engine wiring harness from the output speed sensor (OSS).
  3. Using the DMM and the J 35616 , measure the resistance of the OSS.

Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

976-2,354 Ω

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 13

4

Measure the resistance from the high signal circuit of the OSS to ground. Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value?

50 K Ω

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 13

5

  1. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
  2. Select AC volts on the DMM.
  3. Hold one rear wheel from turning.
  4. Rotate the other wheel by hand.
  5. Measure the AC voltage from high signal and low signal circuits of the OSS.

Refer to Measuring Voltage .

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

0.3 V AC

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 13

6

  1. Connect the engine wiring harness to the OSS.
  2. Disconnect the TCM.
  3. Measure the resistance of the OSS high signal and OSS low signal circuits at the TCM connector.

Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

976-2354 Ω

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Measure the resistance from the high signal and low signal circuits of the OSS assembly to ground.

Refer to Testing for Continuity .

Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value?

50 K Ω

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

8

Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value?

2354 Ω

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

9

  1. Connect the TCM.
  2. Disconnect the engine wiring harness from the OSS.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for a short to voltage.
  5. Test the low signal circuit of the OSS for a short to voltage. Refer to Testing for a Short to Voltage and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

10

  1. Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for a short to ground.
  2. Test the low signal circuit of the OSS for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

11

  1. Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for an open.
  2. Test the low signal circuit of the OSS for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

12

Test the high signal and low signal circuits of the OSS for a short together. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

13

Replace the OSS. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle so that the transmission output speed is greater than 500 RPM for 3 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0722.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

16

With the 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