Transmission

P0713 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0713 means

The transmission control module (or PCM) constantly reads voltage from the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor. The sensor is a thermistor: as fluid warms up its resistance and signal voltage drop. P0713 is set when the signal voltage stays abnormally high, which looks like an open circuit or impossibly cold fluid.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Transmission warning light
  • Harsh or delayed shifts
  • Torque converter clutch not locking or cycling
  • Transmission in limp mode
  • Missing or wrong transmission temperature reading on the dash or scan tool

Possible causes

  1. Open circuit in the TFT sensor wiring
  2. Failed TFT sensor
  3. Broken wire inside the transmission harness
  4. Signal wire shorted to positive voltage
  5. Corroded or damaged connector terminals
  6. Faulty TCM or PCM (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data and check for other transmission codes
  2. Watch the TFT reading on a scan tool: a value stuck at the minimum or maximum points to the circuit or sensor
  3. Check fluid level and condition
  4. Inspect the transmission connector and harness for oil, corrosion, broken locks and chafing
  5. Unplug the sensor and measure its resistance, comparing it with the manufacturer's chart for the temperature
  6. Test the reference voltage and the signal wire for opens and shorts to power or ground
  7. Check the sensor ground and wire continuity to the control module
  8. If wiring and sensor are good, test the control module

Common fixes

  • Replace the TFT sensor (often part of the internal harness or solenoid pack in the pan)
  • Repair or replace the damaged section of wiring harness
  • Clean or replace the connector and terminals
  • Replace or reprogram the control module as a last resort
  • Change the fluid if it is in poor condition

Questions and answers

What does P0713 mean?

The control module is getting too high a voltage from the transmission fluid temperature sensor. It usually points to an open circuit, a bad connection or a failed sensor.

Can I drive with P0713?

Briefly and carefully, yes, but don't put it off. The module can't monitor actual fluid temperature, so overheating could go unnoticed.

How do I fix P0713?

Check fluid level, then the connector and harness at the transmission, then the sensor resistance. Wiring repair or sensor replacement fixes most cases.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.