P0712
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
Transmission temperature sensor
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0712 means the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit is reading abnormally low — usually a short-to-ground or a failed sensor. The transmission uses fluid temperature to set shift timing and converter lockup and to protect itself from overheating, so a bad reading can cause harsh shifts and remove that protection, though the car generally still drives.
High
Can I keep driving? Usually yes, but shift quality and converter lockup may suffer and overheat protection is impaired — get it fixed before towing or long drives.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Harsh or delayed shifting
- Torque converter clutch not locking up
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensorLikely
- Short-to-ground in the sensor signal circuitCommon
- Corroded or loose connector at the sensorCommon
- Wiring damage or failed TCM/ECM inputLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan and read freeze-frame; a fixed very-low temperature reading points to a short or sensor fault.
- Inspect the sensor wiring and connector for a short-to-ground or corrosion.
- Measure the sensor's resistance against a temperature chart; replace if out of spec.
- If wiring and sensor are good, check the TCM/ECM input, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0712?+
Usually yes for short trips, but without a valid fluid temperature the transmission may shift harshly and can't protect itself from overheating. Fix it before towing or hard use.
Can I just clear P0712?+
It returns quickly if the sensor or its wiring is still shorted or faulty.
Related codes
Often seen with P0712
Read & clear P0712 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX