Transmission temperature sensor failure

My engine light came on had it checked gave a transmission temperature sensor failure is it safe to drive until I can afford to get it fixed

My car has 92000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The transmission temperature sensor does exactly as it sounds – it regulates the temperature of the transmission. This is an extremely important measurement of the health of your transmission as excessive heat can damage and shorten the lifespan of your transmission very quickly. Excessive heat has a very damaging effect on transmission fluid making it much less effective at doing its job. Transmission fluid provides lubrication, fluid pressure for effective shifting and helps to keep the transmission cool. When the fluid is overheated, this eliminates it’s capabilities. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle to diagnose and repair your transmission temperature sensor.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Symptoms of a bad transmission fluid temperature sensor:

Check engine light displays in the dash. The torque converter will not operate correctly. Harsh or delayed shifts. The vehicle goes into limp mode.

The Transmission Control Module (TCM) uses the coolant temperature sensor reading to prevent the car from shifting into overdrive while the engine is cold. Incorrect information from the sensor can lead to transmission problems and reduced engine performance.
More about the P0711 code

You can find this sensor in the transmission oil pan. The PCM sends a reference voltage of 5 volts to the TFT, and the amount of signal returned will depend on the degree of change in the transmission fluid temperature.

The P0711 code is a generic powertrain code related to the transmission, including sensor failures and pressure faults. In this case, it means that the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault or error with the Transmission Fluid temperature circuit.
Car operating in incorrect gear – The most common symptom of a failing transmission range sensor is difficulty shifting gears. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may not be able to correctly identify the gear position of the transmission, leading to difficulty shifting or even transmission slipping.
Why? Because the seals of most sensors are not designed to withstand the severe material contraction that occurs at low temperatures. Contraction results in high failure rates of the seals and may allow trace amounts of moisture to bypass the seals and penetrate into the sensor.
Thermometrics Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor (TFT) measures the temperature of transmission fluid. It provides input to the control module to modify shift patterns for smoother shifting in automatic transmissions, and also provides over-temperature protection by locking the torque convertor.
Therefore, a failing speed sensor will have a direct impact on automatic transmission operation. One of the most common signs of a bad speed sensor is abnormal automatic transmission operation. If the VSS is faulty, the transmission may exhibit symptoms such as delayed shifts, hard shifts, and limited gear operation.
Driving with the P0711 code is not advised. In some cases, the P0711 may indicate a transmission problem, so it`s recommended that you take your vehicle to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible. Other TFT sensor-related trouble codes include the P0710, P0712, P0713, and P0714.
What the P0710 code means. P0710 is an OBD-II generic code for a voltage issue with the transmission fluid temperature sensor often found in automatics. When the code is triggered, the voltage from the sensor being read by the transmission control unit (TCU) is outside of the manufacturer`s parameters.
P0712 – A P0712 Code indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in your engine has detected a low Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor signal. A low or absent transmission fluid temperature sensor signal usually means that the circuit is shorted.
Turn off your vehicle`s ignition and wait patiently for 5 to 10 seconds. Start the engine and allow it to idle for several seconds. Switch off the ignition and wait patiently for another 30 to 40 seconds. Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times in order to reset your vehicle`s transmission control module.
The transmission temperature sensor does exactly as it sounds – it regulates the temperature of the transmission. This is an extremely important measurement of the health of your transmission as excessive heat can damage and shorten the lifespan of your transmission very quickly.
A car has two speed sensors: the ISS and the OSS, working together to show the transmission data to the car`s powertrain module. The ISS sensor monitors the input shaft`s speed. If these sensors get misaligned, the operation of the transmission system will be affected.
A car has two speed sensors: the ISS and the OSS, working together to show the transmission data to the car`s powertrain module. The ISS sensor monitors the input shaft`s speed. If these sensors get misaligned, the operation of the transmission system will be affected.
Thermometrics Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor (TFT) measures the temperature of transmission fluid. It provides input to the control module to modify shift patterns for smoother shifting in automatic transmissions, and also provides over-temperature protection by locking the torque convertor.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Transmission temperature sensor failure
ANSWER : The transmission temperature sensor does exactly as it sounds – it regulates the temperature of the transmission. This is an extremely important measurement of the health of your transmission as excessive heat can damage and shorten the lifespan of your transmission very quickly. Excessive heat has a very damaging effect on transmission fluid making it much less effective at doing its job. Transmission fluid provides lubrication, fluid pressure for effective shifting and helps to keep the transmission cool. When the fluid is overheated, this eliminates it’s capabilities. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle to diagnose and repair your transmission temperature sensor.

Why after changing the power steering pressure sensor I still get the check engine light stating sensor failure?
ANSWER : When you scanned the computer and got a code for the power steering pressure switch, it did not necessarily mean to simply replace the sensor to fix the code. The code you got directs you to a pinpoint test that is designed to check the power steering pressure switch circuit and system. It will narrow down the problem for you to a possible break in the wiring or connections. Also, there could be a problem with the power steering pressure, computer, or sensor. These are all possible problems for the same code which is why it needs to be diagnosed and tested to pinpoint the problem. If you need help, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help perform these checks and properly diagnose the source of your Check Engine Light.

I did replace the heater core and two sensor the crank sensor and camshaft sensor it didn’t work can it be the computer
ANSWER : If the check engine light is on, what kind of codes is the system detecting? Do you have spark at the plugs? If you have spark, does spritzing some starter fluid give you a momentary startup? If so, there is a fuel issue. More symptoms and information on the car’s behavior before and after the parts you replaced would be very helpful. At this point, I would recommend an inspection from YourMechanic.com to diagnose this car starting problem, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. YourMechanic.com can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location to help you get your car up and working again.

My Audi A4 has a bad transmission range sensor and when accelerating the car shakes, I don’t know if it’s the sensor?
ANSWER : A faulty transmission range selector switch/sensor could have some negative effects on vehicle performance and consequently the switch should be replaced prior to a diagnostic for the acceleration problem you are describing. After the sensor/switch is replaced, if the acceleration problem remains, that problem would be identified and resolved during a slow acceleration diagnostic. To obtain replacement of the range selector component, please use YourMechanic’s transmission range selector service page and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Where can I buy the automatic transmission sensor circuit?
ANSWER : The transmission range sensor is part of the shifter assembly in the console. The transmission shaft speed sensor and control solenoids do, in fact, greatly affect shift quality. They are located internal to the transmission, requiring fluid drain, removal of the transmission fluid pan and filter, to gain access to these components.

One of our mobile technicians can assist you with the a transmission position sensor replacement to address that portion of the problem and help you diagnose your trouble codes further. Otherwise, I would recommend you take your transmission to a reputable transmission shop for the internal solenoid and control unit repairs.

2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.

I have a bad oxygen sensor, bad power steering sensor, and a bad cam shaft sensor? Should I replace any of them?
ANSWER : When you say you have three bad sensors I can only assume you have had them tested and the end result is three bad sensors. If they tested bad then they should be replaced. The power steering sensor senses the load of the steering on the engine so it can raise the idle during parking maneuvers. The O2 sensor is used for fuel control and it may effect engine power and fuel mileage. The camshaft sensor cay cause no starts, engine running problems and all three will turn on the check engine light.

My car is throwing the code p0707 which means transmission range sensor I had another transmission put in same code
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. The transmission range sensor switch must be physically aligned with the gear selector in order to work properly. This generally involves putting the shifter in the Neutral position, then adjusting alignment of the range sensor switch to the default Neutral position. If they are not aligned, the transmission controller will detect mixed signals from the range switch and the transmission internals – resulting in the P0707 you see. It is also possible that the wiring harness to the range sensor is shorted, or has a poor connection somewhere in that segment of the wiring harness. I would recommend having YourMechanic.com diagnose this issue, provide an accurate assessment of damage, and estimate the cost of repairs.