The P0713 trouble code is related to the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit high. It indicates that the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a high voltage signal from the transmission fluid temperature sensor, indicating that the transmission fluid is too hot.
Common causes of this issue include a faulty temperature sensor, wiring problems, or transmission issues.
What Does Code p0713 Mean?
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0713 stands for “Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input.”
Your vehicle uses a TFT sensor to determine shift points, line pressure, and torque converter clutch control.
This sensor is located in the transmission valve body within the transmission oil pan. On just about every transmission, the TFT sensor is either part of the solenoid pack or the valve body harness rather than being serviced separately.
Transmission fluid has different heat / cold properties than engine oil in that it expands quite a bit when hot.
While transmission fluid expands with heat (as does coolant), the viscosity of transmission fluid doesn’t change as much as that of engine oil.
Potential Causes of a p0713 Code
TFT Sensor
The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor plays a crucial role in monitoring the temperature of the transmission fluid.
If the sensor malfunctions and sends a high voltage signal, it may falsely indicate a high transmission fluid temperature, triggering the P0713 code.
Wiring Problems
Faulty wiring can also cause the P0713 code to be triggered. Open circuits or short circuits in the wiring can disrupt the accurate transmission of signals, leading to erroneous temperature readings and the activation of the code.
Transmission Issues
In some cases, the P0713 code may be the result of underlying transmission problems. Damaged sensors or internal issues within the transmission can affect the accurate measurement of the transmission fluid temperature, leading to the activation of the code.
By identifying these potential causes, technicians can effectively troubleshoot and address the P0713 code, ensuring proper functioning of the transmission system.
p0713 Code Symptoms
- Symptoms of a P0713 engine code may include the following.
- Illuminate the check engine light.
- Improper torque converter clutch operation.
- Harsh or delayed shifts. Vehicle stuck in limp mode.
How to Fix p0713
- Begin by visually inspecting the transmission fluid temperature sensor and the corresponding wiring.
- Look for loose connections, damaged wiring, etc. If damage is found, repair as necessary, clear the code, and see if it returns.
- Next, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) regarding the issue. If nothing is found, you will need to move forward with a step-by-step diagnosis of the system.
- The following is a generalized procedure, as testing for this code varies between vehicles. To accurately test the system, you’ll want to refer to the manufacturer’s diagnostic flow chart.
- Do some preliminary circuit testing. Use a scan tool to monitor the transmission temperature sensor data parameter.
- Disconnect the TFT sensor; the scan tool value should drop to a very low value. Next, connect a jumper wire across the terminals.
- If the scan tool now displays a very high temperature, the connections are sound, and the ECM can recognize the input. This means the problem is most likely the sensor and not a circuit or PCM problem.
- Test the sensor. Disconnect the transmission fluid temperature sensor connector. Next, measure the resistance between the two sensor terminals using a digital multimeter set to ohms.
- Start the engine and watch the meter value; the values should decrease smoothly as the engine warms up (check the engine temperature gauge on the dashboard to ensure the engine reaches operating temperature).
- If engine temperature increases but TFT resistance does not decrease, the sensor is faulty and should be replaced. Check the circuit. Check the reference voltage side of the circuit: with the ignition on, use a digital multimeter set to volts to check for a 5-volt reference from the PCM at one of the two transmission fluid temperature sensor terminals.
- If no reference signal is present, connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the reference voltage pin on the TFT and the reference voltage pin on the PCM.
- If the meter reads out of limits (OL), there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired.
- If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity. If everything is good up to this point, you’ll want to check that there is 5 volts coming out of the PCM at the reference voltage terminal.
- If there is not a 5-volt reference from the PCM, the PCM is probably faulty. Check the ground side of the circuit. Connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the ground terminal on the transmission fluid temperature sensor and the ground terminal on the PCM.
- If the meter reads out of limits (OL), there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired.
- If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity. Finally, check that the PCM has a good ground by attaching one meter lead to the PCM ground terminal and the other to the chassis ground.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a p0713 Code?
To fix a P0713 code, which typically indicates a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 depending on your vehicle’s make and model, with the majority of the cost coming from labor to access and replace the sensor itself; the sensor itself usually costs between $20 and $50.