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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Input 6.5L Diesel


Object Number: 58249  Size: MF
Automatic Transmission Components 6.5L Diesel
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics 6.5L Diesel
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) is a thermistor that controls the signal voltage to the PCM. The PCM supplies a 5 volt reference signal to the sensor on circuit 1227. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. The PCM detects high signal voltage. As the transmission fluid temperature increases to the normal operating temperature, the sensor resistance becomes less, and the voltage decreases to 1.5-2 volts.

When the PCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT Sensor or signal circuit, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The TFT Sensor indicates a voltage of less than 0.3 volts.
    • All conditions met for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The transmission default temperature is 140°C (275°F). The scan tool does not display the default temperature.
    • 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 cycles OFF long enough to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • With a transmission fluid over-temperature DTC P0218 also set, inspect the transmission cooling system.
    • Inspect the harness routing for a potential short to ground in circuit 1227. The scan tool TFT Sensor display should rise steadily, then stabilize.
    • Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the PCM. Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the transmission 20-way connector. 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 the test equipment for a change.
    • Test the TFT Sensor at various temperatures in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed (mis-scaled) sensor. Use the temperature to resistance value scale. A skewed sensor may cause delayed garage shifts or TCC complaints.
    • Verify the customer driving habits, trailer towing, weight, or towing in Overdrive.
    • First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or APP Sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for a short to ground or a skewed sensor by verifying that the fault still exists.

  2. This step tests for an internal fault within the transmission by creating an open.

DTC P0712

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

2

Perform the transmission fluid checking procedure. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Did you perform the fluid checking procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

--

3

  1. Install the scan tool (tech 1) ®.
  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 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 signal voltage less than the specified value?

0.2 volts

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transmission 20-way harness connector.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.

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

4.92 volts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Install the J 39775 Jumper Harness on the transmission side of the 20-way connector. (Automatic Transmission Connector End View )
  3. Measure the resistance between terminal L and terminal M. Use the J 39200 DVOM and the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit. Refer to Electronic Component Description .

Is the resistance within specifications?

16 kohms at -10°C (50°F) to 133ohms at 110°C (230°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Remove the transmission oil pan. Refer to Transmission Oil Pan Removal.
  2. Inspect the internal wiring harness for a short to ground. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the internal wiring harness.
  2. Measure the resistance of the TFT Sensor. Refer to TFT Sensor, in Electronic Component Description .

Is the resistance within specifications?

16 kohms at -10°C (50°F) to 133ohms at 110°C (230°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the internal wiring harness. Refer to 4L80-E On-vehicle Service.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

9

Inspect circuit 1227 for a short to ground. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the PCM for faulty connections.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

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

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Be sure the TFT sensor indicates a voltage greater than 0.33 volts for 10 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0712.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1

DTC P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Input 4.3L, 5.7L, and 7.4L Gas


Object Number: 58127  Size: MF
Automatic Transmission Components 4.3L, 5.7L, and 7.4L Gas
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics 4.3L, 5.7L, and 7.4L Gas
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) is a thermistor that controls the signal voltage to the VCM. The VCM supplies a 5 volt reference signal to the sensor on circuit 1227. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. The VCM detects high signal voltage. As the transmission fluid temperature increases to normal operating temperature, the sensor resistance becomes less, and the voltage decreases to 1.5-2 volts.

When the VCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT Sensor or signal circuit, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type D DTC. For California emission vehicles, DTC P0712 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The TFT Sensor indicates a voltage of less than 0.2 volts.
    • All conditions met for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The transmission default temperature is 140°C (275°F). The scan tool does not display the default temperature.
    • VCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.
    • For California Emissions only, the VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

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

Diagnostic Aids

    • With a transmission fluid over temperature DTC P1812 also set, inspect the transmission cooling system.
    • Inspect the harness routing for a potential short to ground in circuit 1227.
    • Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the VCM. Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the transmission 20-way connector. 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 the test equipment for a change.
    • Test the TFT Sensor at various temperatures in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed (mis-scaled) sensor. Use the temperature to resistance value scale. A skewed sensor may cause delayed garage shifts or TCC complaints.
    • Verify the customer driving habits, trailer towing, weight, or towing in Overdrive.
    • First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP Sensor codes that are present. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for a short to ground or a skewed sensor by verifying the fault still exists.

  2. This step tests for an internal fault within the transmission by creating an open.

DTC P0712

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 (4.3L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (5.7L and 7.4L)

2

Perform the transmission fluid checking procedure.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Did you perform the fluid checking procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure

3

  1. Install the scan tool (tech 1) ®.
  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 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 less than the specified value?

0.2 volts

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transmission 20-way harness connector.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.

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

4.92 volts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 9

5

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Install the J 39775 Jumper Harness on the transmission side of the 20-way connector.
  3. Measure the resistance between terminal L and terminal M. Use the J 39200 DVOM and the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit.
  4. Refer to Electronic Component Description .

Is the resistance within specifications?

16kohms at -10°C (50°F) to 133ohms at 110°C (230°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Remove the transmission oil pan.
  2. Refer to Transmission Oil Pan Removal, in On-Vehicle Service.

  3. Inspect the internal wiring harness for a short to ground.
  4. Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the internal wiring harness.
  2. Measure the resistance of the TFT Sensor.
  3. Refer to TFT Sensor, in Electronic Component Description .

Is the resistance within specifications?

16 kohms at -10°C (50°F) to 133ohms at 110°C (230°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the internal wiring harness.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Wiring Harness Assembly Replacement, in On-Vehicle Service.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

9

Inspect circuit 1227 for a short to ground.

Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the VCM for faulty connections.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Replace the VCM.

Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming (Vehicle Control Module) , Section 6.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Be sure the TFT sensor indicates a voltage greater than 0.2 volts for 10 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0712.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1