Damaged, loose or burned wiring or connectors (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists wiring issues). Faulty input/turbine speed sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty crankshaft position sensor, on vehicles that use it for input speed (RepairPal). Faulty output speed sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Malfunctioning torque converter (OBD-Codes.com). Engine or transmission computer failure, or a programming error (both sources).

Repair damaged, shorted or corroded wiring and connectors (both sources). Replace the input/turbine speed sensor if it fails the manufacturer's tests; OBD-Codes.com notes some manufacturers recommend replacing input and output speed sensors as a set. Replace the crankshaft position sensor if your vehicle uses it for input speed and it tests bad (RepairPal). Repair the output speed sensor or torque converter if diagnosis points there (OBD-Codes.com). Reprogram or replace the engine or transmission computer only after all circuits and sensors check out (both sources).

P0716🔧 Transmission / Speed sensingStop and fix promptly

P0716: Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0716 mean?

P0716 means the computer is getting a transmission input (or turbine) speed signal from sensor A that doesn't match what it expects. The signal is there, but it's out of range or doesn't make sense. Damaged wiring or a failing sensor is common, but the sources also list the output speed sensor, the torque converter, the crankshaft position sensor and the engine or transmission computer. The input or turbine speed sensor reports how fast the transmission's input shaft is turning, and the computer uses that to pick and time shifts. 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 RPM, engine load and transmission output speed to work out what input speed it should see; OBD-Codes.com says P0716 sets when the actual input/turbine speed doesn't line up with that desired speed. RepairPal says it sets when the transmission computer receives an inaccurate signal from the input speed sensor, so it can't shift properly. The A label is used on vehicles with 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 lists a failed crankshaft position sensor as a cause, while OBD-Codes.com describes a dedicated sensor in the transmission reading the input shaft. Check the service information for your vehicle. P0715 (general circuit fault), P0717 (no signal) and P0718 (intermittent) are the related input/turbine speed sensor A codes, and P0720 covers the output speed sensor.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0716?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0716 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 should be addressed immediately. OBD-Codes.com also says the engine may stall when you stop. If the transmission is shifting harshly, won't shift, or the engine stalls at stops, avoid highway driving and have it checked.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0716 means

The input or turbine speed sensor reports how fast the transmission's input shaft is turning, and the computer uses that to pick and time shifts. 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 RPM, engine load and transmission output speed to work out what input speed it should see; OBD-Codes.com says P0716 sets when the actual input/turbine speed doesn't line up with that desired speed. RepairPal says it sets when the transmission computer receives an inaccurate signal from the input speed sensor, so it can't shift properly. The A label is used on vehicles with 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 lists a failed crankshaft position sensor as a cause, while OBD-Codes.com describes a dedicated sensor in the transmission reading the input shaft. Check the service information for your vehicle. P0715 (general circuit fault), P0717 (no signal) and P0718 (intermittent) are the related input/turbine speed sensor A 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 P0716 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 should be addressed immediately. OBD-Codes.com also says the engine may stall when you 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

Check engine light on
Harsh, erratic or improper shifting, or the transmission not shifting at all (both sources)
Transmission in limp mode, with harsh shifts (OBD-Codes.com)
Worse fuel economy (both sources)
Speedometer or odometer fluctuating or working only some of the time (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine stalling when you stop the vehicle (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

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

Damaged, loose or burned wiring or connectors (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists wiring issues)
Faulty input/turbine speed sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty crankshaft position sensor, on vehicles that use it for input speed (RepairPal)
Faulty output speed sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Malfunctioning torque converter (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine or transmission computer failure, or a programming error (both sources)

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.

Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle; OBD-Codes.com notes this can be a known issue with a known fix.
Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data and write them down. If both input and output speed sensor codes are present, OBD-Codes.com suggests using live scan data to see which circuit is at fault.
Inspect the sensor wiring and connectors for corrosion, burning, shorts or a loose plug. OBD-Codes.com also says to test the battery, battery cables and alternator output.
If you remove the sensor, OBD-Codes.com says to clean excess metal debris off its magnetic tip and inspect the input shaft grooves or reluctor notches.
Test the sensor against the manufacturer's specifications. OBD-Codes.com warns to disconnect related control modules before resistance and continuity checks, because skipping that can damage a controller.

Typical fixes

Repair damaged, shorted or corroded wiring and connectors (both sources)
Replace the input/turbine speed sensor if it fails the manufacturer's tests; OBD-Codes.com notes some manufacturers recommend replacing input and output speed sensors as a set
Replace the crankshaft position sensor if your vehicle uses it for input speed and it tests bad (RepairPal)
Repair the output speed sensor or torque converter if diagnosis points there (OBD-Codes.com)
Reprogram or replace the engine or transmission computer only after all circuits and sensors check out (both sources)

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, the torque converter or the computer
You need an advanced scanner, wiring diagrams, manufacturer specs or an oscilloscope to test the sensor and circuit, which OBD-Codes.com says may be needed

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 P0716?

Only gently and not for long. RepairPal rates it Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says it should be addressed immediately if shifting becomes irregular. The transmission may be stuck in limp mode, and the engine may stall when you stop.

Is P0716 always a bad input speed sensor?

No. OBD-Codes.com lists wiring, the output speed sensor, the torque converter and the computer, and RepairPal says many vehicles use the crankshaft position sensor for this signal and lists it as a cause.

What's the difference between P0715, P0716 and P0717?

All three are about input/turbine speed sensor A. P0715 is the general circuit code, P0716 means the signal is present but out of range or doesn't match what the computer expects, and P0717 means there's no signal at all.

How much does it cost to fix P0716?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0716. A wiring or sensor repair costs far less than torque converter or computer work, so get it properly diagnosed first.

Sources

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