P0712 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0712 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. P0712 means the signal is too low – the sensor reads extremely hot, or the signal wire is shorted to ground. GM's 2025 transmission modules flag below 13.5 Ω for 5 of 6 s after two trips; the 2018 LT4 engine module below 17.88 Ω (over 150 °C) without MIL; the 2007 Allison 1000 150 °C or more for 2.5 s; Saab's AF40 over 200 °C; Ford below 0.05 V for 5–12 s without MIL. The module substitutes a value (coolant temperature, 80 °C or a hot mode) and may shift with hot-fluid strategy. Real overheating with a good sensor is P0218.
P0712 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 P0712
- Transmission in hot mode (early converter clutch, changed shift points)
- Harsh shifts
- Extremely high fluid temperature shown
- Check engine or transmission lamp depending on manufacturer
Common causes of P0712
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground (internal harness, chafing)
- PossibleSensor shorted internally
- Less likelyTransmission actually severely overheated
- Less likelyControl 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 P0712 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. |
| 12 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0712 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 P0712
What does P0712 mean?
P0712 means "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low". 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 P0712?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0712 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0712 fail an emissions test?
P0712 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 P0712 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0712 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.