Transmission fluid temperature sensor internally shorted to ground.; Chafed or pinched signal wire shorting to ground along the harness.; Corroded or water-intruded connector at the sensor or PCM.; Internal short inside the transmission wiring harness or solenoid pack.; Faulty PCM driver circuit for the sensor (less common).; Aftermarket or incorrect sensor installed previously.; Contamination or debris bridging sensor terminals.

DTC codes / P07xx · Transmission / P0712

P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Low

Q: What does code P0712 mean?

Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Low. P0712 means the transmission fluid temperature sensor's signal wire is reporting a voltage lower than the computer expects, which the computer interprets as an abnormally high fluid temperature. The powertrain control module (PCM) sets this code when the sensor circuit voltage stays below a calibrated threshold for a set time, indicating a short to ground or a sensor fault.

P0712 means the transmission fluid temperature sensor's signal wire is reporting a voltage lower than the computer expects, which the computer interprets as an abnormally high fluid temperature. The powertrain control module (PCM) sets this code when the sensor circuit voltage stays below a calibrated threshold for a set time, indicating a short to ground or a sensor fault.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaTransmission

Symptoms you may notice

Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent.
Transmission may shift harshly or hold gears longer because the computer substitutes a default fluid temperature.
Torque converter clutch may not engage or may engage abruptly.
Poor fuel economy or altered shift feel as the PCM runs a fail-safe strategy.
In rare cases, the transmission may enter limp mode with reduced power.
A scan tool may show an unrealistic transmission fluid temperature reading, such as -40°F or a fixed high value.

Common causes, most likely first

Transmission fluid temperature sensor internally shorted to ground.
Chafed or pinched signal wire shorting to ground along the harness.
Corroded or water-intruded connector at the sensor or PCM.
Internal short inside the transmission wiring harness or solenoid pack.
Faulty PCM driver circuit for the sensor (less common).
Aftermarket or incorrect sensor installed previously.
Contamination or debris bridging sensor terminals.

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and read transmission fluid temperature live data to confirm the low-voltage condition.
Inspect the sensor connector and harness for corrosion, chafing, or pinched wires, repairing as needed.
Disconnect the sensor and check the signal circuit for a short to ground with a digital multimeter (DMM).
Measure sensor resistance and compare to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart to verify sensor integrity.
If the circuit is intact, replace the transmission fluid temperature sensor and clear the code.
Check for intermittent faults by wiggle-testing the harness while watching live data.
After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test to confirm the code does not return.

What the low-voltage code really means

A low-voltage signal on this circuit almost always indicates a short to ground, not a genuinely cold transmission, so chasing cooling system faults is a common misstep.
The sensor is often integrated into the transmission range sensor or solenoid pack, so a failed sensor may require replacing the entire assembly rather than a standalone part.
Intermittent P0712 can be caused by water intrusion into a connector that only shorts when the vehicle is driven in rain or through puddles.
Some vehicles use the same sensor for both fluid temperature and a secondary strategy, so a short can also set related codes for shift quality or torque converter clutch operation.
A scan tool that shows a fixed -40°F reading is a classic sign of an open circuit, while a shorted circuit often reads an abnormally high temperature; do not confuse the two.

Can I keep driving with P0712?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy towing or aggressive driving because the transmission may shift poorly and could overheat if the fault is intermittent. If the transmission enters limp mode or shifts harshly, stop driving and have it towed.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.