P0710🔧 Transmission / Temperature sensingStop and fix promptly

P0710: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0710 means

The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor tells the computer how hot the transmission fluid is, and the computer uses that to set shift points, line pressure and torque converter clutch operation. OBD-Codes.com says the sensor is often in the transmission oil pan, gets a reference voltage (usually 5 volts) from the computer, and is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, so its signal voltage goes down as the fluid gets hotter and up as it gets colder. OBD-Codes.com names the code Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Malfunction and says it sets when the computer detects a malfunction in the sensor circuit. RepairPal names it Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit and says it sets when the computer detects an incorrect signal from the sensor. Neither source says exactly what reading triggers it. P0710 is the general circuit code; the more specific sensor A codes are P0711 (range/performance), P0712 (circuit low), P0713 (circuit high) and P0714 (circuit intermittent).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0710 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com calls it moderate to severe, says it can sometimes point to a transmission problem, and advises addressing it as soon as possible. If the transmission is stuck in limp mode or shifting harshly or late, keep trips short and slow and have it checked.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (both sources)
  2. Wiring problems in the sensor circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
  3. Engine computer (PCM) failure (both sources)
  4. Transmission computer (TCM) failure (RepairPal)
  5. A problem inside the transmission, especially if other transmission codes are also set (OBD-Codes.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the method in your owner's or service manual.
  2. Inspect the sensor wiring and connectors for loose connections, damaged or chafed wires and corrosion, repair anything you find, clear the code and see if it returns (OBD-Codes.com). Because the fault is intermittent, gently wiggle the harness while watching the transmission temperature reading on a scan tool to see if it jumps.
  3. Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle (OBD-Codes.com).
  4. OBD-Codes.com describes a quick circuit check with a scan tool: watch the transmission temperature reading, unplug the sensor (the reading should drop to a very low value), then jumper the connector terminals. If the reading jumps to a very high temperature, the wiring and computer can see the input and the sensor itself is the likely fault.
  5. OBD-Codes.com also describes a resistance test: unplug the sensor, measure across its terminals with a multimeter, and start the engine. Resistance should drop smoothly as things warm up; if it doesn't, the sensor is faulty. Use your vehicle's specs where available.
  6. To check the circuit, OBD-Codes.com says to check for the 5-volt reference at the sensor connector with the ignition on, then check continuity of the reference and ground wires between the sensor and the computer with the ignition off. A reading of OL (out of limits) means an open wire that needs repair.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The transmission is in limp mode or shifting harshly
  • Other transmission codes are set along with P0710
  • The sensor is inside the transmission pan or built into an internal harness, so replacing it means draining fluid and dropping the pan
  • The sensor and wiring test good but the code keeps coming back

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0710?

Only gently and not for long. RepairPal rates it Urgent and OBD-Codes.com calls it moderate to severe. The transmission may shift harshly or sit in limp mode until it's fixed.

What's the difference between P0710 and P0712, P0713 or P0714?

All are about transmission fluid temperature sensor A. P0710 is the general circuit fault, while P0712 means the signal is too low, P0713 means it is too high, and P0714 means the problem comes and goes.

Is the transmission temperature sensor inside the transmission?

Often, yes. OBD-Codes.com says it is often located in the transmission oil pan, so on many vehicles reaching it means draining the fluid and removing the pan. Check the service manual for your vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix P0710?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0710. Fixing a damaged wire costs far less than a sensor inside the pan or a new computer, so get it properly diagnosed first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0710 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
  2. RepairPal: P0710 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.