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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 ION 🢒 Restraints 🢒 SIR 🢒 DTC P0712

Object Number: 1451482 Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (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.

When the TCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT circuit or the TFT sensor, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type C DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

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

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running for 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

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

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The TCM does not request the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM calculates a default transmission fluid temperature based on engine coolant temperature, intake manifold air temperature, and engine run time.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0712 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • A scan tool can clear the DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the ability of the TCM to detect an open circuit.

    2.

  2. This step tests the TFT sensor for correct resistance.

Step

Action

Value(s)

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 Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the TCM.

  3. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.
  5. Select TFT Sensor on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display a TFT sensor reading less than the specified value?

150°C (302°F)

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool display a TFT sensor reading less than the specified value?

-39°C (-38°F)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for a short to ground between the TCM connector and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Install the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) on the transmission side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  2. Using the DMM and the J-35616 connector test adapter kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the J 44152 .

    3. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Is the resistance within the range specified for the given transmission temperatures?

20°C (68°F)

3,106-3,923 ohms

100°C (212°F)

164-190 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit of the J 44152 and a good ground.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

1,000 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

7
  1. Disconnect the TFP manual valve position switch from the automatic transmission wiring harness.
  2. Measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and all other terminals of the J 44152 .

    3. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Is the resistance between less than the specified value?

1,000 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the TFP manual valve position switch.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the TCM.

Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle and ensure that the TFT is less than 150°C (302°F) for 10 seconds
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0712.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

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