P0713: Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit high
The control unit sees too high a voltage from the gearbox oil temperature sensor, nearly always from a broken wire or a loose connector.
| Code | P0713 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0713 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 means its signal voltage is above the possible range, which is typical of an open circuit. In most designs the control unit then reads a very low temperature, as if the oil were frozen.
Most common causes
- Gearbox or sensor connector unplugged or loose
- Corroded connector terminals
- Broken sensor wire
- Sensor open internally
- Damaged internal gearbox harness
- 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 P0713?
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. If it reads well below freezing on a warm car, the fault is electrical.
How to read and clear P0713 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 P0713 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
- P070F The gearbox oil level is below normal
- P0710 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit fault
- P0711 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: range/performance
- P0712 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit low
- P0714 Transmission fluid temperature sensor: circuit intermittent
- P0715 Input/turbine speed sensor: circuit fault
- P0716 Input/turbine speed sensor: range/performance
- P0717 Input/turbine speed sensor: no signal
- 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 P0713 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 means its signal voltage is above the possible range, which is typical of an open circuit. In most designs the control unit then reads a very low temperature, as if the oil were frozen.
Can you drive with P0713?
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 P0713?
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, P0713 comes back.
