P0710: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit
P0710 means the transmission computer is getting an unusable signal from the transmission fluid temperature sensor, either a short to ground or an open circuit. It is moderately serious: the car usually drives, but the computer substitutes a guessed temperature, so shifts can turn harsh and the transmission can go into limp mode.
You can drive, but get it checked soon
The car often still drives, but harsh shifts and a late converter clutch put extra wear on the transmission, and limp mode is possible. Keep trips short and gentle until it is checked, and stop driving if shifting gets worse or the transmission locks into one gear.
What it means
The fluid temperature sensor is a thermistor, a resistor whose resistance drops as the fluid warms up. The control module sends it 5 volts through a resistor and reads the resulting voltage. A very low voltage points to very hot fluid or a short to ground, and a very high voltage points to very cold fluid or an open circuit. P0710 is the general circuit code, used when the manufacturer does not split it into separate low and high codes (such as P0712 and P0713). Some systems set it only when the voltage stays out of range, then turn on the check engine light after two consecutive trips. Others set it without a warning light after a few seconds. Once the code sets, the module swaps in a substitute temperature, for example a value based on engine coolant temperature. Because that substitute is only an estimate, shift quality suffers: shifts can be harsh, and the torque converter clutch (the part that locks the converter for efficiency at cruising speed) can apply late.
Likely causes
- Faulty fluid temperature sensor (often part of the internal harness or valve body)Very likely
The sensor is the part that fails most often, and it is frequently built into an assembly inside the transmission.
- Leaking or corroded transmission connector, or oil in the connectorPossible
Fluid or corrosion in the connector changes the resistance of the circuit and distorts the signal.
- Open or shorted wirePossible
A broken wire reads as an open circuit and a wire touching ground reads as a short, and both push the signal out of range.
- Faulty transmission or engine control moduleLess likely
The module that supplies and reads the 5 volt signal can fail, but this is rare compared with the sensor and wiring.
What you may notice
- Harsh or late shifts
- Torque converter clutch applies late or not at all
- Check engine or transmission warning light, depending on the manufacturer
- Implausible fluid temperature reading in a scan tool
What to check, cheapest first
- 1Read the code and freeze frame data with a scan tool, and note whether related codes such as P0711, P0712 or P0713 are also stored. · you can do it
- 2Watch the live transmission fluid temperature on the scan tool with a cold engine. A reading far from the outside temperature, or one stuck at an extreme, points to the sensor or circuit. · you can do it
- 3Check the transmission fluid level and condition, and look for fluid leaking around the transmission connector. · you can do it
- 4Inspect the transmission connector and visible wiring for corrosion, oil, damaged pins or chafed wires. · mechanic
- 5Measure the sensor resistance and the 5 volt reference and signal voltage, and test the wiring for opens and shorts to ground. · mechanic
- 6If the sensor is part of the internal harness or valve body, replace it as needed, clear the code and complete a drive cycle to confirm the fix. · mechanic
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0710 code?+
Usually for a short time, with caution. The computer uses a substitute temperature, which can cause harsh shifts and extra wear, and limp mode is possible.
Can a loose gas cap cause P0710?+
No. This code is about the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit and has no link to the fuel system or gas cap.
Will P0710 fail an emissions test?+
The code is not classed as emissions related, but if the check engine light is on, many inspections will fail the car until it is repaired and the light is off.
Can I fix it myself?+
Reading the code and checking the fluid and connector are easy. The sensor is often inside the transmission, so the repair is usually best left to a shop, and it can take about 1 to 4 hours.
Written with the help of AI from the public OBDex definition (CC0). Each make may use the code differently. Updated: 2026-11-10