P0713

Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input

P0713 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input. It is logged by the engine control unit when the trans monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P0713
Group
Powertrain
System
Trans
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P0713 means

P0713 is set when the PCM or TCM detects that the voltage signal from the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor 'A' has exceeded the maximum expected threshold. Because the TFT sensor is a negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) thermistor, a high signal voltage corresponds to very high sensor resistance — which occurs at low temperatures — or, more commonly in a fault condition, an open circuit. When the circuit is broken (broken wire, disconnected connector, or failed sensor with open internal resistance), the reference voltage from the PCM sees no path to ground and the signal pin reads near the 5-volt reference, which P0713 identifies as a circuit-high fault.

The PCM loses accurate temperature data and must substitute a default value for shift scheduling, line pressure, and TCC control. This can cause overly aggressive or delayed shifts, disabled adaptive learning, and in many applications a transmission limp mode to protect against the possibility that the fluid is actually overheating and the sensor is failing to report it. The code is especially disruptive in cold climates where the PCM is unable to verify that the transmission has warmed up before enabling full adaptive shift logic.

Diagnosis focuses on distinguishing an open circuit from a failed sensor. Unplugging the TFT sensor connector and watching the scan tool reading — which should already be at or near maximum in an open-circuit condition — confirms the nature of the fault. Jumpering the signal and ground pins at the connector will show whether the PCM can recognise a low-resistance path, isolating the fault to the sensor versus the wiring.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P0713 is logged.

  • 1
    Open circuit in the signal or ground wire of the TFT sensor harness due to a broken or corroded wire.
  • 2
    Disconnected or corroded connector at the TFT sensor or at the internal transmission harness plug.
  • 3
    Faulty TFT sensor with open internal resistance (sensor element has failed open).
  • 4
    Internal transmission wiring harness broken or corroded, interrupting the signal path inside the sump.
  • 5
    Signal wire shorted to the 5-volt reference line, holding the input at maximum voltage.
  • 6
    High-resistance fault at a splice or pin that mimics an open circuit under load.
  • 7
    TCM internal input circuit failure (rare; only after all external causes are excluded).

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL (check engine light) illuminated with P0713 stored.
Harsh or erratic gear shifts due to the TCM operating on a substituted temperature value.
Transmission entering limp mode as a protective strategy against an unverifiable overheating condition.
Adaptive shift learning disabled, causing shifts that fail to refine over multiple drive cycles.
Scan tool shows an implausibly cold TFT reading (e.g. maximum scale, near -40°F/-40°C) even after a long warm-up.

How to diagnose P0713

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data; note whether P0712 or other transmission codes are present alongside P0713.
  2. 2
    Observe TFT live data — a reading pinned at the coldest extreme of the sensor's scale from start-up confirms the open-circuit condition.
  3. 3
    Disconnect the TFT sensor connector; if the reading was already at maximum, this alone does not change the picture — connect a known-value resistor across the sensor terminals and confirm the scan tool responds, verifying PCM input functionality.
  4. 4
    Measure resistance through the TFT sensor itself between its signal and ground terminals: an open reading (infinite ohms) indicates a failed sensor; a normal NTC value suggests the fault is in the wiring.
  5. 5
    Inspect the external harness for broken wires, damaged insulation, and corrosion at each connector between the sensor and the TCM/PCM.
  6. 6
    If external wiring is intact, remove the transmission pan and inspect the internal harness and its connector to the valve body for damage, contamination, or broken wire strands.
  7. 7
    Repair the identified open circuit or replace the sensor, clear codes, and confirm that TFT live data rises correctly from cold start through operating temperature.

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between P0712 and P0713?

Both codes relate to the same TFT sensor circuit. P0712 (circuit low) is caused by a short-to-ground that pulls signal voltage below the minimum threshold, mimicking an extremely hot reading. P0713 (circuit high) is caused by an open circuit or short-to-reference that holds signal voltage at maximum, mimicking an extremely cold reading.

Can I drive with P0713 active?

Short distances are possible if the transmission remains in normal operating range, but adaptive learning is disabled and the TCM may act on an inaccurate temperature. If the transmission enters limp mode, driving is severely restricted. Repair the fault before extended use.

Will P0713 clear after I fix the connector?

Yes — if the root cause was a disconnected or corroded connector and it is now restored, the code should clear after the PCM completes its readiness monitoring cycle. Manually clearing with a scan tool and confirming it does not return is good practice.

Can a contaminated transmission sump cause P0713?

Yes. Metal debris or severely degraded fluid inside the sump can corrode the internal harness wiring over time, eventually breaking the signal or ground conductor and producing an open-circuit P0713. A fluid service and internal harness inspection is advisable whenever this code appears on a high-mileage vehicle.

Disabling P0713 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P0713 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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