P0715🔧 Transmission / Speed sensingStop and fix promptly

P0715: Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0715 means

The input or turbine speed sensor measures how fast the transmission's input shaft is turning. OBD-Codes.com describes it as a usually three-wire electromagnetic sensor near the back of the torque converter that reads grooves or a notched reluctor wheel on the input shaft. The computer compares input speed with engine speed, engine load, transmission output speed and vehicle speed, and uses it to decide when and how to shift. OBD-Codes.com says P0715 sets when the computer sees a malfunction in this sensor's circuit, or when actual input speed doesn't match the expected speed. RepairPal says it sets when the sensor isn't giving a reliable or rational signal, either no signal at all or more than a specified difference between input and output speed, and that it often implies the transmission is slipping. The A label is used on vehicles that have more than one input or turbine speed sensor; the service manual shows which one is A. The sources differ on hardware: RepairPal says most vehicles use the crankshaft position sensor for this information and tells technicians to check the flex plate or flywheel teeth, while OBD-Codes.com describes a dedicated sensor in the transmission reading the input shaft. Check the service information for your vehicle. P0716 (range/performance), P0717 (no signal), P0718 (intermittent) and P0719 are related input/turbine speed sensor codes, and P0720 covers the output speed sensor.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0715 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com does not give a rating, but says the computer may put the transmission into limp mode with harsh shifts, and that if the transmission starts shifting irregularly the problem must be addressed as soon as possible. Both sources say some cars may stall when coming to a stop. If the transmission is shifting harshly, won't shift, or the engine stalls at stops, avoid highway driving and have it checked.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

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

  1. Faulty input/turbine speed sensor (both sources)
  2. Loose, burned or damaged wiring or connectors (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal tells technicians to check the sensor connection and wiring)
  3. Faulty output speed sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Damaged, worn or broken reluctor ring or shaft (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal says to check the flex plate or flywheel teeth
  5. Bad torque converter (OBD-Codes.com)
  6. Faulty shift solenoids or valve body (RepairPal)
  7. Dirty transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (RepairPal)
  8. Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor (RepairPal)
  9. Engine or transmission computer failure, or a programming error (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal says to check for software updates

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. Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. If both input and output speed sensor codes are present, OBD-Codes.com suggests using live scan data to see which circuit is actually misbehaving.
  2. Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle; OBD-Codes.com notes this can be a known issue with a known fix.
  3. Test the battery and clean and tighten the battery terminals, then inspect the sensor wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, burning or a loose plug.
  4. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. RepairPal lists dirty fluid as a cause.
  5. If you remove the sensor, OBD-Codes.com says to clean off any metal debris stuck to its magnetic tip, look at the reluctor notches, and expect some fluid to come out of the opening. On some vehicles the gap between sensor and reluctor is critical, so make sure the mounting surface is clean.
  6. With a scan tool, watch input and output speed while driving. An input speed reading that drops out or doesn't make sense points to the sensor, its wiring, or slipping in the transmission.

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, shifting harshly, or not shifting at all
  • The car stalls when coming to a stop
  • A new sensor doesn't clear the code, which can point to wiring, internal transmission problems or the computer
  • You need an oscilloscope, wiring diagrams or manufacturer specs to test the sensor and circuit; RepairPal also lists engine misfire, internal transmission and driveline problems as common misdiagnoses

Where to buy

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

FAQs

Can I drive with P0715?

Only gently and not for long. RepairPal rates it Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says it should be fixed as soon as possible if shifting becomes irregular. The transmission may be stuck in a default gear, and some cars stall at stops.

Is P0715 always a bad speed sensor?

No. A faulty sensor or wiring is common, but OBD-Codes.com also lists the output sensor, a damaged reluctor ring, the torque converter and the computer, and RepairPal lists shift solenoids, the valve body and dirty fluid, and says the code often means the transmission is slipping.

What's the difference between P0715 and P0717?

P0715 is the general circuit code for input/turbine speed sensor A. P0717 is more specific: the computer isn't seeing any signal from that sensor.

How much does it cost to fix P0715?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0715. A sensor or wiring repair costs far less than internal transmission work, so get it properly diagnosed first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit
  2. RepairPal: P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.