P070B

What it means

P070B is the generic code for a transmission fluid level sensor circuit range or performance fault. The transmission control unit has seen a fluid level signal that does not make sense, for example one that is implausible for the conditions, stuck, or at odds with other data such as fluid temperature or the time since the engine was started. Not every vehicle has an electronic fluid level sensor, and the way it works and the checking procedure depend on the model and transmission.

Symptoms

• Transmission warning light or general warning message on the dash
• Fluid level reading on the dash missing, erratic or showing an impossible value
• Harsh, delayed or flared gear changes if the fluid is actually low or overfilled
• Transmission going into a limp or restricted mode in some cases
• Fluid leak marks under the car or a burning smell from the transmission
• No obvious symptoms apart from the stored code

Possible causes

• Fluid level actually too high or too low, causing an implausible readinglikely
• Faulty fluid level sensor, which may be combined with the temperature sensor in the sump or valve bodylikely
• Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connector between the sensor and the transmission control unitlikely
• Contaminated, degraded or incorrect type of transmission fluid affecting the sensor readingpossible
• Fluid leak from a seal, gasket, cooler line or panpossible
• Fault inside the transmission control unit or an outdated calibration, where the manufacturer has identified one for the modelrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and freeze frame data, noting fluid temperature and whether other transmission codes are present
2. Check for related technical bulletins or known issues for the specific model and transmission
3. Check the fluid level and condition using the manufacturer's procedure, which varies by model and often needs a set fluid temperature and the car level
4. Inspect the underside for leaks around the pan, seals, cooler lines and connectors
5. Inspect the sensor wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, moisture, fluid ingress and pin tension
6. Check live data for the fluid level and temperature readings and compare them with the actual conditions and the manufacturer's specification
7. Test the sensor circuit for supply, earth, signal and wiring continuity against the manufacturer's wiring data
8. Clear the code after repairs and road test to confirm it does not return

How to fix

• Correct the fluid level to specification with the correct fluid type, following the manufacturer's procedure
• Repair any leak found and then recheck the level
• Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning and securing any corroded terminals
• Replace the fluid level sensor, or the assembly it is part of, if it is confirmed faulty
• Replace degraded or contaminated fluid and rectify the cause of contamination
• Update or replace the transmission control unit software only where the manufacturer lists an outdated or faulty calibration as a known cause

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P070AGenericTransmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit
• P070CGenericTransmission Fluid Level Sensor Circuit Low