P0712

DTC P0712: Transaxle Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Shorted to Ground





Circuit Description
The TFT sensor is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (temperature sensitive resistor) that provides information to the TCM regarding transaxle fluid temperature. The temperature sensor is located in valve body. Calculated temperature is a factor used to determine the shift time and shift delay time. The internal electrical resistance of the sensor varies in relation to the operating temperature of the transaxle fluid. The TCM sends a 5 volt reference signal to the temperature sensor and measures the voltage rise in the electrical circuit. A higher fluid temperature creates a higher resistance in the temperature sensor, thereby measuring a higher voltage signal. The TCM measures this voltage as another input to help control line pressure, shift schedules and TCC apply. When transaxle fluid temperature reaches 120 °C (248 °F) the TCM enters "hot mode." Above this temperature the TCM modifies transaxle shift schedules and TCC apply in an attempt to reduce fluid temperature by reducing transaxle heat generation.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
TFT sensor output voltage is less than 0.05 V.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The hold lamp will blink.
- The TCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Failure Records buffer.
- TCM assumes the transaxle fluid temperature is 60 °C (140 °F).
- No influence on driveability.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
- The blinking hold lamp will turn OFF when the malfunction has not occurred after three ignition cycle.
- A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault.
- Using a scan tool can clear history DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids
When DTC P0712 sets, the possible cause of fault could be Transaxle Temperature Sensor.

Troubleshooting