P0713
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
The appearance of the standard OBD2 trouble fault code P0713 is an indicator that your vehicle ECU triggered a threshold alert for "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High". Understanding the root component breakdown helps avoid expensive diagnostic fees.
Driver's Summary
Code P0713 means your vehicle detected a problem with the transmission fluid temperature sensor a circuit high system. Drivers typically experience harsh shifting, transmission slips, poor drivability when cold when this code is active. While the car is usually drivable, you should schedule a diagnosis within the next few days to prevent the issue from worsening.
Symptoms
Harsh shifting, transmission slips, poor drivability when cold
Common Causes
- Open circuit in TFT wiring (short to voltage)
- Disconnected TFT sensor plug
- Failed TFT sensor (reads falsely cold)
- TCM failure
How to Fix
- 1 Repair open circuit in harness
- 2 Ensure internal and external connectors are seated
- 3 Replace TFT sensor
- 4 Test TCM
Technical Explanation
Detection of P0713 occurs when the ECM cross-references multiple sensor inputs and determines that the reported values are physically inconsistent or out-of-range. Shift solenoid circuits are monitored for both functional performance (does the transmission achieve the commanded gear ratio?) and electrical integrity (is the solenoid's resistance within the normal range of 10–40 ohms?). The fault remains stored in memory even after the MIL is cleared; it becomes a confirmed DTC after failing two consecutive drive cycles, and the PCM logs a freeze frame record of the engine's exact operating state at the moment of detection.
Is It Safe to Drive?
You can drive short distances, but the symptoms — harsh shifting, transmission slips, poor drivability when cold — indicate the affected system is compromised. Leaving this unresolved will lead to progressively worse fuel economy and potential damage to components beyond the original fault.
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Before replacing any component on P0713, spend 5 minutes inspecting the wiring harness and connector first — corrosion, chafed insulation, and backed-out pins cause the majority of these faults and cost nothing to fix. Use a multimeter to measure voltage drop across the connector pins under load; anything above 0.1V indicates excessive resistance that will cause intermittent failures even after replacing the sensor.
Sensor replacement and fluid: $300 - $500