P0716

What it means

P0716 is the generic code for a range or performance problem in the input/turbine shaft speed sensor 'A' circuit of an automatic transmission. The transmission or powertrain control unit compares the input shaft speed signal with other data, such as engine speed, torque converter status, output shaft speed and the selected gear. When the signal is implausible, erratic or does not match what is expected, the code is set.

Symptoms

• Gearbox warning light or malfunction indicator lamp on
• Harsh, delayed or flared gear changes
• Gearbox stuck in one gear or in limp-home mode
• Erratic or non-working speedometer or rev counter on some models
• Torque converter lock-up not engaging, with higher fuel consumption
• Intermittent shift problems that come and go

Possible causes

• Faulty or contaminated input shaft speed sensor, for example metal debris on a magnetic tiplikely
• Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring or connector in the sensor circuitlikely
• Low, degraded or contaminated transmission fluid affecting the sensor or shift qualitypossible
• Damaged sensor reluctor ring or tone wheel, or incorrect sensor air gap or fittingpossible
• Internal transmission wear, such as a slipping clutch pack or torque converter fault, causing a genuine speed mismatchpossible
• Fault in the transmission or powertrain control unit, or an outdated calibration known to cause this code on some modelsrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting road speed, gear, engine speed and fluid temperature when the code set, and check for related speed sensor or engine codes
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition against the manufacturer's procedure, looking for burnt smell, dark colour or metallic contamination
3. Inspect the sensor wiring and connector for chafing, heat damage, water ingress, corrosion and bent or pushed-back pins
4. Using live data, compare input shaft speed with engine speed and output speed in each gear and with the torque converter locked and unlocked, looking for dropouts or implausible values
5. Test the sensor circuit for supply, earth, signal and resistance to the manufacturer's specification, as the sensor type and values depend on the model
6. Remove the sensor if accessible and check the tip for debris, damage and correct seating or air gap, and check the reluctor ring where visible
7. Check for technical service bulletins or software updates for your model and transmission if the sensor and wiring test good
8. If the signals are good but the mismatch persists, assess the transmission for internal slip following the manufacturer's procedure

How to fix

• Replace the input shaft speed sensor if it is faulty or contaminated, and clean off any debris
• Repair or replace damaged wiring, and clean or replace corroded connectors
• Correct the fluid level, or service or replace the fluid and filter as the manufacturer specifies
• Repair or replace a damaged reluctor ring or fix an incorrectly fitted sensor
• Repair the transmission or torque converter if internal wear is confirmed
• Update the control unit software only where an outdated calibration is a documented cause for that model

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0715GenericInput/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit
• P0717GenericInput/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal