FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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40/41TE Automatic Transaxle (NGC)







P0712-TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR LOW





For a complete wiring diagram Consult Diagrams/Electrical.

Theory of Operation

The temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid temperature can affect shift quality, torque converter operation and when or if some diagnostics are run. A failed temperature sensor could affect the OBD diagnostics. If a problem occurs in the transmission temperature sensor circuit, transmission temperature will be based on a calculated value.

- When Monitored:
Continuously with the ignition on and engine running.

- Set Condition:
The DTC will set when the monitored Temperature Sensor voltage drops below 0.078 volts for the period of 1.45 seconds. When the fault is set, calculated temperature is substituted for measured temperature, however the fault code is stored only after three consecutive occurrences of the fault.





Always perform the 40/41TE Pre-Diagnostic Troubleshooting procedure before proceeding. Testing and Inspection

Diagnostic Test

1. DETERMINE IF RELATED DTCS ARE PRESENT
With the scan tool, check PCM DTCs.
Are there any Speed Sensor DTCs present?

Yes

- Diagnose and repair the DTC(s).

No

- Go to 2

2. CHECK TO SEE IF DTC IS ACTIVE
With the scan tool, view DTCs.
Is the status Active for this DTC or is the STARTS SINCE SET counter 2 or less?

Yes

- Go to 3

No

- Go to 5

3. CHECK THE PCM AND WIRING WITH THE TRANSMISSION SIMULATOR
Turn the ignition off to the lock position.
Remove the Ignition Switch Feed fuse from the TIPM.

CAUTION: Removal of the Ignition Switch Feed fuse from the TIPM will prevent the vehicle from being started in gear.

WARNING: The Ignition Switch Feed fuse must be removed from the TIPM. Failure to do so can result in personal injury or death.

Install the Transmission Simulator, Miller tool #8333 and the Electronic Transmission Adapter kit.

NOTE: Check connectors - Clean/repair as necessary.

Ignition on, engine not running.
With the Transmission Simulator, turn the Input/Output switch to OFF.
With the scan tool, monitor the Transmission Temperature Voltage while turning the Thermistor Voltage switch to all three positions on the Transmission Simulator.
Compare the scan tool readings with the numbers listed on the Transmission Simulator.
Do the readings on the Transmission Simulator match the scan tool readings ± 0.2 volts?

Yes

- Replace Transmission Temperature Sensor (TRS Assembly).
- Perform 40/41TE VERIFICATION TEST 40/41TE Transmission Verification Test

No

- Go to 4

4. CHECK THE (T54) TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR SIGNAL CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO GROUND




Turn the ignition off to the lock position.
Disconnect the PCM C4 harness connector.
Disconnect the TRS harness connector.

NOTE: Check connectors - Clean/repair as necessary.

CAUTION: Do not probe the PCM harness connectors. Probing the PCM harness connectors will damage the PCM terminals resulting in poor terminal to pin connection. Install Miller Tool #8815 to perform diagnosis.

Measure the resistance between ground and the (T54) Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal circuit.
Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms?

Yes

- Repair the (T54) Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal circuit for a short to ground.
- Perform 40/41TE VERIFICATION TEST 40/41TE Transmission Verification Test

No

- Using the schematics as a guide, check the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) terminals for corrosion, damage, or terminal push out. Pay particular attention to all power and ground circuits. Check for Service Information Tune-ups or Service Bulletins for any possible causes that may apply. If no problems are found, replace and program the PCM. With the scan tool, perform QUICK LEARN.
- Perform 40/41TE VERIFICATION TEST 40/41TE Transmission Verification Test

5. INTERMITTENT WIRING AND CONNECTORS
The conditions necessary to set this DTC are not present at this time.
Using the schematics as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors specific to this circuit.
Wiggle the wires while checking for shorted and open circuits.
With the scan tool, check the DTC EVENT DATA to help identify the conditions in which the DTC was set.
Check for any Service Information Tune-ups or Service Bulletins for any possible causes that may apply.
Were there any problems found?

Yes

- Repair as necessary.
- Perform 40/41TE VERIFICATION TEST 40/41TE Transmission Verification Test

No

- Test Complete.