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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
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 its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. If the car reports it over standard OBD, you read it for nothing with FREE; to read it straight from the gearbox control unit, with its description and clearing, you need PRO.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P070C The gearbox oil level sensor gives a lower signal than normal
- P070D The gearbox oil level sensor gives a higher signal than normal
- P070E The gearbox oil level sensor fails now and then
- P070F The gearbox oil level is below normal
- 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
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
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 and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
