GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 187958  Size: MF
Automatic Transmission Components
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor whose resistance value changes based on temperature. The PCM provides a 5 volt reference to the sensor on circuit 1227. A low fluid temperature, an open TFT sensor or open circuits 1227 or 452 results in high signal voltage. The TFT operating range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +304°F).

If the PCM detects a continuous open or a short to power on the TFT sensor circuit, then DTC P0713 sets. DTC P0713 is a Type D DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The system voltage is 9-18 volts.
    • The PCM detects a TFT sensor voltage of 4.92 volts for 7 minutes continuous.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM does not turn on the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM freezes shift adapts.
    • The PCM calculates a default TFT from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor and the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.
    • The PCM stores DTC P0713 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool clears the DTC from the PCM history.
    • The PCM clears the DTC from the PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the wiring at the PCM, the transmission 20-way connector and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions:
       - A bent terminal
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Poor terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation
       - Moisture intrusion
       - Corrosion
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent open, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
    • Test the TFT sensor at various temperature levels to evaluate the possibility of a skewed (mis-scaled) sensor. Refer to the Temperature vs Resistance table.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If the display does not indicate an automatic transmission fluid temperature sensor voltage greater than 4.92 volts, inspect the connectors and the terminal for intermittent conditions.

  2. Important: After 10 seconds, the Scan Tool will display a default temperature.

    This step inspects only the engine harness and the PCM for an open.

DTC P0713 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit -- High Input

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Engine Controls

2

Was the transmission fluid checking procedure performed?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install the Scan Tool .
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the Scan Tool in order to record the Failure Records for reference. The Clear Info function will erase the data.

  4. Record the DTC Failure Records, then clear the DTCs.
  5. Select TFT Sensor volts on the Scan Tool .

Does the Scan Tool display an Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature voltage greater than the specified value?

4.92 volts

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the transmission 20-way connector.
  3. Connect a J 36169-A Fused Jumper Wire from terminal L (YEL/BLK) to terminal M (BLK) of the engine harness.
  4. Turn the ignition ON, and keep the engine OFF.

Does the Scan Tool display a TFT voltage greater than the specified value?

4.92 volts

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

Inspect circuit 1227 (YEL/BLK) of the engine wiring harness for an open.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Was a condition found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect circuit 808 (BLK) of the engine wiring harness for an open.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Inspect circuit 1227 (BRN) of the automatic transmission wiring harness for an open.
  2. Inspect circuit 452 (GRY) of the automatic transmission wiring harness for an open.

Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor.

Refer to Solenoids and Wiring Harness Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the Automatic Transmission Wiring Harness.

Refer to Solenoids and Wiring Harness Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming in Engine Controls.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info, then clear the DTCs.
  3. Operate the vehicle so that the TFT sensor voltage is less than 4.92 volts for more than 7 minutes.
  4. Select Specific DTC. Enter DTC P0713.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1