P0714: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0714 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 says P0714 sets when the computer detects an intermittent problem with the sensor. RepairPal describes it more generally, saying it sets when the computer detects an incorrect signal from the sensor, and neither source says exactly what pattern counts as intermittent. Because the fault comes and goes, it may not be present while you test, so wiggling the harness and connector while watching the reading can help. The related sensor A codes are P0710 (circuit), P0711 (range/performance), P0712 (circuit low) and P0713 (circuit high).
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0714 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
- Check engine light on
- Transmission not shifting properly, or harsh or delayed shifts (both sources)
- Transmission stuck in limp mode (OBD-Codes.com)
- Torque converter clutch not working properly (OBD-Codes.com)
- Transmission temperature warning light on the dash (RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor (both sources)
- Wiring problems, such as a loose connection or damaged wiring in the sensor circuit (both sources)
- Engine computer (PCM) failure (both sources)
- Transmission computer (TCM) failure (RepairPal)
- A problem inside the transmission, especially if other transmission codes are also set (OBD-Codes.com)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the method in your owner's or service manual.
- 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.
- Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle (OBD-Codes.com).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 loose, damaged or corroded wiring and connectors (both sources)
- Replace the transmission fluid temperature sensor if it fails testing (both sources); on some transmissions it sits inside the pan or is part of an internal harness, so check the service manual
- Repair an open in the 5-volt reference or ground circuit between the sensor and computer, or the computer's own ground (OBD-Codes.com)
- Repair or replace the engine or transmission computer only after the sensor and wiring check out (both sources)
- Have the transmission inspected if the circuit is good and other transmission codes are present (OBD-Codes.com)
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 P0714
- The sensor is inside the transmission pan or built into an internal harness, so replacing it means draining fluid and dropping the pan
- The fault comes and goes and you can't catch it with basic tests, or a new sensor doesn't clear the code
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0714?
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 does intermittent mean for P0714?
OBD-Codes.com says the computer detected an intermittent problem with the sensor, meaning the signal dropped out or jumped rather than staying steadily wrong. Neither source gives the exact test the computer uses, so a loose or corroded connection is worth checking first.
What's the difference between P0712, P0713 and P0714?
All three are about transmission fluid temperature sensor A. P0712 means the signal is too low, P0713 means it is too high, and P0714 means the computer saw an intermittent problem with the signal.
How much does it cost to fix P0714?
Neither source gives a repair cost for P0714. Fixing a loose plug or a wire costs far less than a sensor that is inside the pan or part of an internal harness, so get it properly diagnosed first.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.