Faulty output speed sensor (both sources). Damaged wiring or a corroded or damaged connector in the sensor circuit (both sources). Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (both sources); OBD-Codes.com also lists a clogged transmission filter. Faulty shift solenoid or transmission valve body (both sources). Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor (both sources). Faulty PCM (OBD-Codes.com). The sources mostly agree on causes; the main difference is that OBD-Codes.com treats P0722 as a missing sensor signal, while RepairPal's technician notes say it often implies a slipping transmission.

Change the transmission fluid and filter, or flush the transmission to clean the passages (OBD-Codes.com). Replace a faulty output speed sensor (both sources list it). Clean corroded connectors or repair or replace damaged wiring (OBD-Codes.com). Repair or replace a faulty shift solenoid or valve body (OBD-Codes.com). Reflash or replace the PCM if everything else checks out (OBD-Codes.com).

P0722🔧 Transmission / Speed sensingStop and fix promptly

P0722: Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0722 mean?

P0722 means the engine or transmission computer is not getting a usable signal from the transmission's output shaft speed sensor. The computer needs that signal to time shifts and often to drive the speedometer. Common causes are a failed output speed sensor or damaged wiring or connectors, but both sources also list dirty fluid, shift solenoids and the valve body. The output shaft speed sensor reads how fast the transmission's output shaft is turning. OBD-Codes.com says the powertrain control module (PCM) uses it to control the shift solenoids, which change gears at the right time, and that on some vehicles it also drives the speedometer. OBD-Codes.com says P0722 is set when the PCM is not seeing a signal from the output speed sensor. RepairPal's owner-facing definition is similar (the PCM is not seeing a consistent speed signal from the sensor), but its technician notes describe it more broadly: no proper signal from the sensor, or a larger than specified RPM difference between the input and output speed sensors during shifts or at steady speed, which it says often implies the transmission is slipping. RepairPal also says the transmission control module (TCM) or PCM sets the code and that an irrational signal indicates an issue inside the transmission. It is a generic OBD-II code, though repair steps vary by make, model and transmission. Related output speed sensor codes are P0720 (circuit malfunction), P0721 (range/performance) and P0723 (intermittent).

Q: Can I keep driving with P0722?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0722 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com says it normally starts as moderate but can become severe quickly if it isn't fixed, and lists limp mode, a transmission that won't shift or shifts roughly, and an erratic speedometer. If the transmission won't shift, slips, or the car stalls when coming to a stop, avoid highway driving and have it checked.

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

What P0722 means

The output shaft speed sensor reads how fast the transmission's output shaft is turning. OBD-Codes.com says the powertrain control module (PCM) uses it to control the shift solenoids, which change gears at the right time, and that on some vehicles it also drives the speedometer. OBD-Codes.com says P0722 is set when the PCM is not seeing a signal from the output speed sensor. RepairPal's owner-facing definition is similar (the PCM is not seeing a consistent speed signal from the sensor), but its technician notes describe it more broadly: no proper signal from the sensor, or a larger than specified RPM difference between the input and output speed sensors during shifts or at steady speed, which it says often implies the transmission is slipping. RepairPal also says the transmission control module (TCM) or PCM sets the code and that an irrational signal indicates an issue inside the transmission. It is a generic OBD-II code, though repair steps vary by make, model and transmission. Related output speed sensor codes are P0720 (circuit malfunction), P0721 (range/performance) and P0723 (intermittent).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0722 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com says it normally starts as moderate but can become severe quickly if it isn't fixed, and lists limp mode, a transmission that won't shift or shifts roughly, and an erratic speedometer. If the transmission won't shift, slips, or the car stalls when coming to a stop, avoid highway driving and have it checked.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources)
Transmission does not shift, shifts roughly (OBD-Codes.com), or does not shift properly (RepairPal)
Lower fuel economy (both sources)
Misfire-like symptoms (both sources); RepairPal adds stalling when coming to a stop after freeway driving in some cases
Limp mode (OBD-Codes.com)
Speedometer showing an incorrect or erratic reading (OBD-Codes.com)
In unusual cases, no noticeable symptoms (RepairPal)

Likely causes

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

Faulty output speed sensor (both sources)
Damaged wiring or a corroded or damaged connector in the sensor circuit (both sources)
Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid restricting hydraulic passages (both sources); OBD-Codes.com also lists a clogged transmission filter
Faulty shift solenoid or transmission valve body (both sources)
Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor (both sources)
Faulty PCM (OBD-Codes.com)
The sources mostly agree on causes; the main difference is that OBD-Codes.com treats P0722 as a missing sensor signal, while RepairPal's technician notes say it often implies a slipping transmission

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.

Read all stored codes and write down the freeze frame data (RepairPal).
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle, year and transmission; OBD-Codes.com says this can point you to a known fix.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition, and find out when the fluid and filter were last changed (OBD-Codes.com).
Inspect the wiring and connectors to the output speed sensor, transmission solenoids and PCM for rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, corrosion or damaged pins (OBD-Codes.com).
With power removed, check the sensor wiring for continuity; OBD-Codes.com says wiring and connections should normally read 0 ohms unless the service data says otherwise.

Typical fixes

Change the transmission fluid and filter, or flush the transmission to clean the passages (OBD-Codes.com)
Replace a faulty output speed sensor (both sources list it)
Clean corroded connectors or repair or replace damaged wiring (OBD-Codes.com)
Repair or replace a faulty shift solenoid or valve body (OBD-Codes.com)
Reflash or replace the PCM if everything else checks out (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 won't shift, slips, goes into limp mode, or the car stalls when coming to a stop
Advanced testing is vehicle specific and needs a digital multimeter and the factory technical data for your vehicle (OBD-Codes.com)
RepairPal says P0722 can be difficult to detect and recommends a test drive that duplicates the freeze frame conditions while watching engine load, throttle position, RPM and road speed
Both sources warn it is commonly misdiagnosed as an engine misfire, an internal transmission problem or a driveline problem

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

Is P0722 serious?

Treat it as serious. RepairPal rates it Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says it starts as moderate but can become severe quickly if not fixed. It can stop the transmission from shifting properly or put the car in limp mode.

What's the difference between P0720 and P0722?

P0720 is a general output speed sensor circuit malfunction, while P0722 specifically means the computer is not seeing a signal from that sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Both are in the same family as P0721 and P0723.

Can P0722 make my speedometer act up?

Yes. OBD-Codes.com says the output speed sensor may control the speedometer on some vehicles and lists an incorrect or erratic speedometer reading as a symptom.

How much does it cost to fix P0722?

Neither source gives a repair cost. The price depends on whether it's wiring, the sensor, fluid, or a deeper transmission problem, so get a diagnosis or a written estimate before replacing parts.

Sources

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