P0710 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0710 means
The transmission fluid temperature sensor is an NTC thermistor whose resistance falls as the fluid warms; the module feeds it with 5 V through a resistor. A low signal therefore means very hot or a short to ground, a high signal very cold or an open circuit. P0710 is the general circuit code used when a manufacturer does not separate low and high. Subaru-based systems (Saab 9-2X) flag 0.1 V or less or 4.7 V or more, light the MIL after two consecutive trips and use 80 °C as substitute. Ford's 2023 diesels use P0710 alongside P0712/P0713 for open and short circuits, without MIL, after 5–12 s, substituting coolant temperature. GM uses only the split codes. With the substitute value the shift quality suffers: harsh shifts and a late converter clutch.
P0710 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0710
- Harsh or late shifts
- Torque converter clutch applies late or not at all
- Check engine or transmission lamp depending on manufacturer
- Implausible fluid temperature in the scan tool
Common causes of P0710
- Most likelyFluid temperature sensor faulty (often part of the internal harness or valve body)
- PossibleTransmission connector leaking or corroded, oil in the connector
- PossibleWire open or shorted
- Less likelyTransmission or engine module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission fluid temperature sensorTransmission internal harnessTransmission control module
What each part of P0710 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 10 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0710 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0710
What does P0710 mean?
P0710 means "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit". The transmission fluid temperature sensor is an NTC thermistor whose resistance falls as the fluid warms; the module feeds it with 5 V through a resistor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0710?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0710 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0710 fail an emissions test?
P0710 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0710 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0710 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.