GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 368573  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 part of the automatic transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The TFT sensor is a resistor, or thermistor, which changes value based on temperature. The sensor has a negative-temperature coefficient. This means that as the temperature increases, the resistance decreases, and as the temperature decreases, the resistance increases. The vehicle control module (VCM) supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the sensor on circuit 1227 and measures the voltage drop in the circuit. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the VCM detects high signal voltage. As the fluid temperature warms to a normal operating temperature, the resistance becomes less and the signal voltage decreases. The VCM uses this information to control shift quality and torque converter clutch apply.

When the VCM 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 D DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The system voltage is 10-19 volts.
    • The ignition switch is in the RUN position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT sensor indicates a signal voltage greater than 4.92 volts for 409 seconds (6.8 minutes).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The VCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).

       Important: The scan tool does not indicate the default TFT.

       Important: The actions listed below are in order of highest to lowest priority.

    • The VCM determines a default TFT using the following matrix:
        1. If any ECT DTCs P0117 or P0118 are set, then the default TFT is equal to 135°C (275°F).
        2. If the ECT is 125°C (257°F) or more, then the default TFT is equal to 135°C (275°F).
        3. If the engine run time is less than 300 seconds and:
   • No intake air temperature (IAT) DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set and IAT is available, then the default TFT is equal to IAT.
   • Any IAT DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set or IAT is NOT available, then the default TFT is equal to 90°C (194°F).
        4. If the engine run time is greater than 300 seconds and no IAT DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set and IAT is available and ECT is between 40 and 125°C (104 and 257°F) and:
   • IAT at startup is less than 15°C (59°F), then the default TFT is equal to the ECT plus 5°C (8°F).
   • IAT at startup is greater than 35°C (95°F), then the default TFT is equal to the ECT plus 10°C (16°F).
   • IAT at startup is between 15 and 35°C (59 and 95°F), then the default TFT is equal to the ECT.
        5. If the engine run time is greater than 300 seconds and any IAT DTCs P0112 or P0113 are set or IAT is NOT available, then the default TFT is equal to the ECT.
        6. If the engine run time is greater than 300 seconds and ECT is less than 40°C (104°F) or more, then the default TFT is equal to 60°C (140°F).
    • The VCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.
    • The VCM stores DTC P0713 in VCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool clears the DTC from VCM history.
    •  The VCM clears the DTC from VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the VCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the wiring at the VCM, the transmission connector and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions:
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Reduced terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
       - Moisture intrusion
       - Corrosion
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
    • Use the Temperature vs Resistance table when testing the TFT sensor at various temperature levels. Test the TFT sensor in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed (mis-scaled) sensor. A skewed sensor can result in delayed garage shifts or TCC complaints.
    • The scan tool displays the transmission fluid temperature in degrees. After the transmission is operating, the fluid temperature should rise steadily to a normal operating temperature, then stabilize.

Test Description

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

  1. This step verifies a condition in the TFT sensor circuit.

  2. This step simulates a TFT sensor DTC P0712. If the VCM recognizes low signal voltage (high temperature), the VCM and wiring are functioning normally.

  3. This step tests the TFT sensor and automatic transmission (A/T) wiring harness assembly.

DTC P0713 TFT Sensor Circuit High

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 in Engine Controls

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 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 DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the VCM.

  4. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.

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

4.92 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the transmission 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 terminal L to terminal M on the engine harness.
  5. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline Harness Connector End View .

  6. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.

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

0.2 V

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. Using the J 39200 digital multimeter (DMM) and the J 35616-A connector test adapter kit, measure the resistance between terminal L and terminal M.
  4. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline Harness Connector End View .

Is the resistance within the specified range?

3088-3942 Ohms at 20°C (68°F)

159-198 Ohms at 100°C (212°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect circuits 1227 (BRN) and 452 (GRY) of the automatic transmission (A/T) wiring harness assembly for an open condition.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the A/T wiring harness assembly at the TFT sensor.
  2. Measure the resistance of the TFT sensor.

Is the resistance within the specified range?

3088-3942 Ohms at 20°C (68°F)

159-198 Ohms at 100°C (212°F)

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the TFT sensor (this sensor is part of the TFP manual valve position switch).

Refer to Valve Body and Pressure Switch Replacement.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

9

  1. Inspect circuit 1227 (YEL/BLK) of the engine wiring harness for an open or short to B+ condition.
  2. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

  3. Repair the circuit if necessary.
  4. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open or short condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

    Important: The condition that affects this circuit may exist in other connecting branches of the circuit. Refer to Power Distribution Schematics in Wiring Systems for complete circuit distribution.

  1. Inspect circuit 470 (BLK) for an open condition.
  2. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

  3. Repair the circuit if necessary.
  4. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find an open condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the A/T wiring harness assembly.

Refer to TCC PWM Solenoid, TCC Solenoid, and Wiring Harness.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the VCM.

Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming in Engine Controls.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  4. Verify that the scan tool indicates a TFT Sensor signal voltage less than 4.92 volts for 409 seconds (6.8 minutes).
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0713.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1