P0711🔧 Transmission / Temperature sensingStop and fix promptly

P0711: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 3 cited source(s)

What P0711 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 thermistor whose resistance and signal voltage drop as the fluid gets hotter. OBD-Codes.com says P0711 sets when the computer detects a performance problem with the sensor; RepairPal says it sets when the computer detects an incorrect signal from the sensor. As one manufacturer example, GM's 2009 OBD-II transmission diagnostics document says P0711 sets when the fluid temperature barely changes over several minutes of driving after a cold start, or when it jumps by a large amount many times within a few seconds; the exact test conditions vary by vehicle. A code like this is about the sensor reading, not proof that the fluid is actually overheating. The sources differ slightly on the name: RepairPal titles it Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit, while OBD-Codes.com and GM add Range/Performance. The related sensor A codes are P0710 (circuit), P0712 (circuit low), P0713 (circuit high) and P0714 (intermittent).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0711 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 or connector problems (both sources)
  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 plugs, damage or corrosion, repair anything you find, clear the code and see if it returns (OBD-Codes.com).
  3. Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle (OBD-Codes.com).
  4. With a scan tool, watch the transmission temperature reading as the vehicle warms up. It should rise smoothly; a reading that stays flat or jumps around backs up the code.
  5. OBD-Codes.com 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, since the sensor is often inside the pan or harness.

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 P0711
  • The sensor is inside the transmission pan or built into an internal harness, so replacing it means draining fluid and dropping the pan
  • A new sensor doesn't clear the code, which can point to wiring, the computer or the transmission itself

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 P0711?

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.

Does P0711 mean my transmission is overheating?

Not by itself. It means the computer doesn't trust the temperature sensor's reading. If you also have a transmission temperature warning light, check the fluid level and let it cool, then have it diagnosed.

What's the difference between P0711, P0712 and P0713?

All three are about transmission fluid temperature sensor A. P0711 means the reading is out of range or behaves unrealistically, P0712 means the circuit voltage is too low, and P0713 means it is too high.

How much does it cost to fix P0711?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0711. A connector or wiring fix costs far less than a sensor that is inside the pan or part of an internal harness, so get it properly diagnosed first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
  2. RepairPal: P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit (rated Urgent)
  3. GM: 2009 OBD-II transmission diagnostics (P0711 monitor description, PDF)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.