Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Transmission fluid temperature sensor indicates high temperature.
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What it means (plain English)
The sensor measures how hot the transmission fluid is. If it reads too high, it means the fluid could be overheating, which can damage the transmission.
What the computer is actually seeing
The Engine Control Module (ECM) sees a voltage reading from the transmission fluid temperature sensor above the expected range, usually over 180°F (82°C), which triggers the fault code.
What a healthy reading looks like
Transmission fluid temperature should be between 160°F to 220°F (71°C to 104°C) under normal operating conditions.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Check transmission fluid level. If low, top up and see if code returns.
- 22. Inspect wiring and connectors to the transmission fluid temperature sensor for damage or corrosion. Repair as necessary and clear the code.
- 33. Measure the resistance of the temperature sensor. Expected value should be around 0.5 ohms at 200°F (93°C). If out of range, replace the sensor.
- 44. If code persists, use a scan tool to check for related codes, and monitor live data for abnormal temperatures or other indicators.
Common causes
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Wiring issues in the sensor circuit
- Poor connection at sensor or ECM
- Overheating transmission due to low fluid level or heavy load
- Contaminated transmission fluid
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
It's moderate severity, fix soon to prevent potential transmission damage.
What causes this code to come back?
If the sensor is still faulty, or if there are underlying issues like low fluid levels or electrical problems.
Why does this code pair with SPN 1871?
Both codes relate to the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit, indicating a problem in the same or related areas.
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