Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0713 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

The transmission fluid temperature sensor is an NTC thermistor whose resistance falls as the fluid warms; the module feeds it with 5 V through a resistor. A low signal therefore means very hot or a short to ground, a high signal very cold or an open circuit. P0713 means the signal is too high – the sensor reads extremely cold, or the circuit is open or shorted to positive. GM's 2025 modules flag above 284 kΩ for 5 of 6 s after two trips; the 2007 Allison 1000 −45 °C or below for 2.5 s; Saab's AF40 below −43 °C; Ford above 4.6 V for 5–12 s without MIL. Many require prior running time or a warm engine so a genuine −40 °C cold start does not count (Allison: coolant above 20 °C; Saab: over 10 minutes of driving). The transmission then stays in its cold strategy: open converter clutch, late upshifts.

Likely causes

Transmission connector loose or corroded, wire open
Sensor open internally
Signal wire shorted to positive
Control module faulty

Symptoms

  • Fluid temperature shown around −40 °C
  • Converter clutch stays open, late upshifts
  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Check engine or transmission lamp depending on manufacturer

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–600
Time1–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

transmission fluid temperature sensortransmission internal harnesstransmission control module

Related codes

P0710P0711P0712P0714P0700

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, saabwisonline.com, newtonnet.co.uk.