5L40-E / 5L50-E Automatic Transmission
DTC P0712
Circuit Description
The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is part of the automatic transmission internal wiring harness assembly. The TFT sensor is a thermistor, or a resistor that changes value when the temperature changes. The sensor has a negative-temperature coefficient. This means that as the temperature increases, the resistance decreases, and as the temperature decreases, the resistance increases. The transmission control module (TCM) supplies a 5 volt reference signal to the sensor and measures the voltage drop in the circuit. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the TCM detects high signal voltage. As the fluid temperature increases, the resistance of the sensor decreases, which lowers the signal voltage.
If the TCM detects a short to ground in the TFT sensor or signal circuit, 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 run time is greater than 5 seconds.
Conditions for Setting The DTC
The TCM detects a transmission fluid temperature of 150°C (302°F) or more for 10 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 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 a Failure Record.
* 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.
3. This step tests the ability of the TCM to detect an open circuit. If the TCM recognizes the open, this eliminates the TCM and the wiring up to the transmission connector. The fault must be internal to the transmission.
5. Because the TFT is an integral part of the transmission wiring, the entire harness must be replaced.
