Transmission Temperature Sensor/Switch: Description and Operation

Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor

The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is located on the main control valve body in the transmission sump. It is a temperature sensitive device called a thermister. It sends a voltage signal to the powertrain control module (PCM). The voltage signal varies with transmission fluid temperature. The PCM uses this signal to determine whether a cold start shift schedule is necessary. The shift schedule is compensated when the transmission fluid temperature is cold. The PCM also inhibits torque converter clutch (TCC) operation at low transmission fluid temperatures and corrects electronic pressure control.

Symptoms:

- Torque converter clutch (TCC) engagement and stabilized shift schedules happen too soon after a cold start.

DTCs: P0712, P0713, P1711, P1783, P1710.