P0712 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0712 means
This code sets when the transmission fluid temperature sensor reports a reading that's lower than the computer expects under the conditions, often pointing to a short to ground in the circuit or a degraded sensor. The computer treats the value as unreliable and may switch to a protective shift pattern. It's usually fixed by repairing a shorted wire, cleaning a connector, or replacing the temperature sensor.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Transmission shifts harshly or unusually
- Temperature gauge or reading seems stuck or wrong
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
- Transmission may enter failsafe mode
Common causes
- Short to ground in the sensor wiring
- Faulty or degraded transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Corroded or damaged connector at the sensor
- Contaminated or low transmission fluid
- Transmission control module fault
Typical repair cost
$150 – $400
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0712 code?
Usually yes for a little while, but don't ignore it. The sensor reading is out of range, so the computer can't trust the transmission temperature and may shift more cautiously. Have it checked soon to protect the transmission from undetected overheating.
How much does it cost to fix a P0712 code?
Expect roughly $150 to $400. A wiring or connector repair is on the low end, while replacing the temperature sensor, especially one mounted inside the transmission, costs more. Diagnosis time is usually included up front.
Is a P0712 code serious?
It's moderate. It won't usually leave you stranded, but a faulty temperature reading removes a key safeguard against overheating. Addressing it promptly avoids the risk of heat damaging the transmission over time.
What does range/performance mean for this sensor?
It means the sensor is still sending a signal, but the value is outside the believable range for the conditions, in this case reading too low. That usually points to a short in the wiring or a sensor that has drifted out of spec rather than a completely dead circuit.