Transmission

P0717 — Transmission Input/Turbine Speed Sensor – No Signal

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0717 means

P0717 sets when the transmission or engine control module receives no pulses from the input (turbine) speed sensor even though the vehicle is moving or the engine is under load. The sensor reads the rotation of the input shaft or drum, and the module uses it to calculate torque converter slip and shift timing. Without it, shift control becomes inaccurate.

Symptoms

  • Transmission warning light or check engine light on
  • Limp mode with the transmission stuck in one gear
  • Harsh or erratic shifts
  • Erratic or dead speedometer or transmission-driven gauges
  • Vehicle won't move in severe cases
  • Torque converter lockup not working, higher fuel use

Possible causes

  1. Failed input speed sensor (TSS)
  2. Open or shorted wiring to the sensor
  3. Corroded or damaged connector
  4. Damaged or broken tone ring inside the transmission
  5. Metal debris on the magnetic sensor tip
  6. Faulty transmission control module or PCM (rare)
  7. Low or contaminated transmission fluid

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze-frame data; look for related codes such as P0715 and P0720
  2. Check fluid level and condition, and look for metal debris
  3. Inspect the sensor harness and connector for chafing, moisture and corrosion
  4. Compare input speed in live data with engine RPM
  5. Measure sensor resistance and compare to the manufacturer spec
  6. Test power, ground and signal wires for opens and shorts
  7. Remove the sensor and inspect its tip for debris or damage
  8. If sensor and wiring are good, inspect the tone ring and the control module

Common fixes

  • Replace the input speed sensor
  • Repair the wiring or replace the connector
  • Change the fluid and filter and clean debris from the sensor
  • Rebuild the transmission, replacing the tone ring or drum
  • Replace or reprogram the transmission control module

Questions and answers

What does P0717 mean?

The control module isn't getting a signal from the transmission input speed sensor. The sensor, its wiring or the connector are the most common culprits.

Can I drive with P0717?

Only briefly and carefully, to a repair shop. The transmission may enter limp mode, and if shifts become violent it's best to stop and have the car towed.

How much does it cost to fix P0717?

It depends on the cause: a sensor or connector is usually inexpensive, while a broken tone ring inside the transmission costs far more. Diagnose first before buying parts.

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.