Diagnostic Instructions

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0712:  Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0713:  Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open/High Resistance	Short to Voltage	Signal Performance
TFT Sensor Signal	P0712	P0713	P0713	P0218, P0711
Low Reference	--	P0713	--	P0218, P0711

Typical Scan Tool Data

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open/High Resistance	Short to Voltage
Operating Conditions: Engine running in PARK, normal operating temperature Parameter Normal Range: -40 to +149°C (-40 to +300°F)
Trans. Fluid Temp.	Greater than 149°C (300°F)	Less than -40°C (-40°F)	Less than -40°C (-40°F)

Circuit/System Description

The automatic TFT sensor is a thermistor. The TFT sensor is part of the automatic transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. 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

P0712

The engine is running for 5 seconds.

P0713

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0712

The TFT sensor is greater than 150°C (302°F) for 12 seconds.

P0713

The TFT is less than -40°C (-40°F) for 1 minute and 20 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0712 and P0713 are type C DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

Circuit/System Verification

Start the engine. With the vehicle in PARK and at normal operating temperature, observe the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter on the scan tool. The Trans. Fluid Temp. should display near the ECT sensor parameter.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Disconnect the automatic transmission 20-way inline connector. Using a DMM and the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the voltage between the TFT sensor signal circuit at the engine side of the connector and ground. The voltage should be 4.9-5.1 volts.

Important: If a short to voltage is found, test the TFT sensor for damage.

⇒	If the voltage is less than the specified range, test the TFT sensor signal circuit for an open, high resistance or short to ground. If the voltage is greater than the specified range, test the TFT sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage.

2. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the voltage between the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit at the engine side of the automatic transmission 20-way inline connector. The voltage should be 4.9-5.1 volts.

⇒	If the voltage is less than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open, high resistance, or short to ground.

3. 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 terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Refer to Temperature Versus Resistance for the 3.5L engine or Temperature Versus Resistance for the 3.9L engine or Temperature Versus Resistance for the 5.3L engine for resistance values.

⇒

If the resistance is greater than the specified range for a given temperature, test the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open or high resistance. If the resistance is less than the specified range, test the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference for a shorted together condition or a faulty TFT sensor. If a shorted together condition is found, replace the transmission wiring harness.

4. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and the transmission case. The resistance should be greater than 10K ohms.

⇒	If the resistance is less than 10K ohms, test the TFT sensor signal circuit for a short to the transmission case. If a short to the case is found, replace the transmission wiring harness.

5. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the low reference circuit and the transmission case. The resistance should be greater than 10K ohms.

⇒	If the resistance is less than 10K ohms, test the low reference circuit for a short to the transmission case. If a short to the case is found, replace the transmission wiring harness.

6. Using the J 35616 GM terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and all other circuits of the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) except the low reference circuit. The resistance should be greater than 10K ohms.

⇒	If the resistance is less than 10K ohms, replace the transmission wiring harness.

7. If all circuits/connections test normal, test 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 terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit. Refer to Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Specifications .

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.