GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0721: Output Speed Sensor Performance

DTC P0722:  Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

OSS Supply Voltage

P0721

P0721

--

P0721

OSS Signal

P0721, P0722

P0721, P0722

P0721, P0722

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

Transmission OSS

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine running, normal operating temperature

Parameter Normal Range: 0-7 000 RPM

OSS Supply Voltage

Out of Range

Out of Range

OK

Transmission OSS

0 RPM

0 RPM

0 RPM

Circuit/System Description

The output speed sensor (OSS) is a hall-effect type sensor. The sensor faces the output shaft machined teeth surface. As the output shaft rotates, the sensor produces a signal frequency based on the machined surface of the output shaft. This signal is transmitted to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The TCM uses the OSS signal in connection with the input speed sensor signal to control engine torque, shift timing, and lock-up.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0721

    • The ignition voltage is between 10.2 V and 15.5 V.
    • The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM for 2 seconds.
    • The transmission is not in emergency mode.
    • Driving in D range.
    • TCM communication is normal.
    • Vehicle speed by ABS is greater than 30 km/h (19 MPH).

P0722

    • The ignition voltage is between 10.2 V and 15.5 V.
    • The engine speed is greater than 400 RPM for 2 seconds.
    • The transmission is not in emergency mode.
    • TCM communication is normal.
    • Driving in D range.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0721

Deviation from calculated output speed is more than 15% for 1 s over 10 times.

P0722

    • Deviation from calculated output speed is more than 300 RPM.
    • No output speed sensor pulse while receiving pulses on the input speed sensor.
    • No output speed sensor pulse when vehicle speed from ABS is more than 20 km/h (13 MPH) for 300 ms.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTCs P0721 and P0722 are Type A DTCs.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM turns OFF all solenoids.
    • The TCM allows the vehicle after a stop to operate only in the second gear and "R" range.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • DTCs P0721 and P0722 are Type A DTCs.
    • Output speed is greater than 300 RPM for more than 70 s.
    • Deviation from calculated output speed is less than 5% for more than 1 s.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Damage or misalignment of the counter drive gear machined teeth surface may cause a speed sensor malfunction.
    • Proper torque of the OSS mounting bolt is critical to proper OSS operation.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Description and Operation

Transmission Component and System Description

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Operate the vehicle at 16 to 32 km/h (10 to 20 MPH) while observing the scan tool Transmission OSS parameter. The Transmission OSS should vary with the vehicle speed and not drop out.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observe from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

Static Test

  1. Ignition OFF, remove the K71 Transmission Control Module (TCM).
  2. Test for more than 1 MΩ between the low reference circuit terminal 20 (X2) and the voltage supply circuit terminal 19 (X2).
  3. If less than the specified range, test the wiring harness for internal short. If the circuit test normal, replace the automatic transmission.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between each terminal and the low reference circuit terminal 20 (X2) and also to the voltage supply circuit terminal 19 (X2).
  5. If less than the specified range, replace the wiring harness.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the K71 Transmission Control Module (TCM). Verify the DTC does not reset.
  7. If the DTC resets, replace the automatic transmission.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    • Automatic transmission replacement, refer to Transmission Replacement
    • Control valve body replacement. Refer to Control Valve Body Replacement
    • Wiring harness, refer to Automatic Transmission Wiring Harness Replacement
    • TCM, refer to Control Module References
       ⇒Perform the Transmission Adaptive Functions