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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Generic 🢒 2005 🢒 Unit Repair 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0712

Object Number: 1379670 Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a thermistor. The TFT sensor is part of the automatic transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a 5 volt reference signal to the sensor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the PCM senses a high signal voltage. As the transmission fluid warms, the sensor resistance lowers and the PCM senses lower voltage. The PCM uses the TFT reading in order to control the torque converter clutch (TCC), line pressure adjustments, and temperature compensated shifts.

When the PCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT circuit or the TFT sensor, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type C DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition switch is in the ON position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT voltage is 0.33 volts or less for 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The PCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The PCM calculates a default transmission fluid temperature based on engine coolant temperature, intake manifold air temperature, and engine run time.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The PCM stores DTC P0712 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • A scan tool can clear the DTC.
    • The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the ability of the PCM to detect an open circuit.

    2.

  2. This step tests the TFT sensor for correct resistance.

DTC P0712

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Failure Records from the PCM.

  3. Record the DTC Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.
  5. Select TFT Sensor on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display a TFT sensor voltage greater than the specified value?

0.33 V

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.5L

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the scan tool display a TFT sensor voltage greater than the specified value?

4.92 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for a short to ground between the PCM connector C3 and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

5
  1. Install the J 44152 jumper harness (20 pins) on the transmission side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  2. Using the DMM and the J 35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal and the low reference circuits of the J 44152 .

    3. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Is the resistance within the range specified for the given transmission temperatures?

20°C (68°F)

3106-3923 ohms

100°C (212°F)

164-190 ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit of the J 44152 and ground.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

1,000 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.5L

7
  1. Disconnect the TFP manual valve position switch from the automatic transmission wiring harness.
  2. Measure the resistance between the TFT sensor signal circuit and all other terminals of the J 44152 .

    3. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

1,000 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Replace the TFP manual valve position switch.

Refer to Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Replace the automatic transmission wiring harness.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle under the following conditions:
    4. • Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
    • The TFT signal voltage must be greater than 0.33 volts for 10 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0712.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK