P0710: Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit fault
The control unit is not getting a valid signal from the automatic gearbox oil temperature sensor, nearly always due to the sensor or its wiring.
| Code | P0710 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0710 means
The transmission fluid temperature sensor tells the control unit how hot the automatic gearbox oil is. It uses that figure to adjust how smooth the shifts are and to decide when to lock the torque converter. This code indicates a general electrical fault in its circuit: the signal is missing or outside what is possible.
Most common causes
- Oil, moisture or corrosion in the gearbox or sensor connector
- Damaged wiring between the gearbox and the control unit
- Faulty temperature sensor (in many gearboxes it is part of the internal harness or valve body)
- Transmission control unit fault (uncommon)
Symptoms
- Engine or gearbox warning light on
- Harsh or late shifts, especially when cold
- Slightly higher fuel use because the converter does not lock
- Limp mode on some cars
Can you drive with P0710?
With care You can drive, but with a false temperature reading the shifts can be harsh and the gearbox works harder. Have it checked soon and avoid towing or hard driving.
How to check it
If your scanner shows the gearbox oil temperature, watch it live: after the car has stood overnight it should be close to the engine and outside temperature, then rise gradually as you drive. A fixed or absurd value points to an electrical fault.
How to read and clear P0710 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0710 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
- P0705 Transmission range sensor: circuit fault
- P0706 Transmission range sensor: range/performance
- P0711 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: range/performance
- P0712 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit low
- P0713 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit high
- P0714 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit intermittent
- P0700 Transmission control system: fault detected
- P0701 Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0715 Input/turbine speed sensor: circuit fault
- P0716 Input/turbine speed sensor: range/performance
P0710 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Kia, Opel / Vauxhall, Toyota, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P0710 mean?
The transmission fluid temperature sensor tells the control unit how hot the automatic gearbox oil is. It uses that figure to adjust how smooth the shifts are and to decide when to lock the torque converter. This code indicates a general electrical fault in its circuit: the signal is missing or outside what is possible.
Can you drive with P0710?
You can drive, but with a false temperature reading the shifts can be harsh and the gearbox works harder. Have it checked soon and avoid towing or hard driving.
How do you clear P0710?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0710 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com