P0713

What it means

P0713 is the generic code for a high signal from the transmission fluid temperature sensor A circuit. The transmission control unit saw a sensor voltage higher than expected, which it reads as an implausibly low fluid temperature or an open circuit. The sensor is often built into the valve body or wiring harness inside the transmission, so its location depends on the model and gearbox.

Symptoms

• Gearbox warning light or engine management light on
• Harsh, delayed or erratic gear changes
• Transmission stuck in a fixed gear (limp mode)
• Torque converter lock-up not engaging, causing higher fuel consumption
• Shift quality changing when the gearbox is hot or cold
• Overheating warnings not displayed or temperature reading stuck at a fixed value

Possible causes

• Open circuit or poor connection in the sensor wiring, such as a damaged internal harness or corroded connectorlikely
• Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor reading falsely coldlikely
• Fluid leaking into or contaminating the internal wiring harness or connectorpossible
• Short to voltage or damaged signal wire in the harnesspossible
• Incorrect, degraded or contaminated transmission fluid affecting the sensor or valve body componentspossible
• Faulty transmission control unit or its internal sensor supplyrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting whether other transmission or sensor codes are present and what conditions the fault set under
2. Check live data for transmission fluid temperature: see whether it is stuck at a very low value or changes realistically as the vehicle warms up
3. Inspect the external wiring and connectors to the gearbox for damage, corrosion, bent pins, chafing and fluid contamination
4. Check the fluid level and condition against the manufacturer's procedure, as the correct method varies by model and gearbox
5. Unplug the sensor connector where accessible and measure sensor resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification at a known temperature
6. Check the reference voltage, signal and ground circuits for continuity, short to voltage and short to ground using a multimeter and the wiring diagram
7. Wiggle-test the harness with live data on display to find intermittent faults
8. If the circuit and sensor test good, check the control unit supply and grounds before considering the control unit

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or connectors, and clean any corrosion
• Replace the transmission fluid temperature sensor or the internal harness or component that includes it, as the design depends on the gearbox
• Correct the fluid level and replace contaminated fluid with the specified type, and fix any leak found
• Repair any short to voltage in the signal circuit
• Repair or replace the transmission control unit only after all other causes are ruled out, following the manufacturer's procedure

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0712GenericTransmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
• P0714GenericTransmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent