P0713 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0713 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. P0713 means the signal is too high – the sensor reads extremely cold, or the circuit is open or shorted to positive. GM's 2025 modules flag above 284 kΩ for 5 of 6 s after two trips; the 2007 Allison 1000 −45 °C or below for 2.5 s; Saab's AF40 below −43 °C; Ford above 4.6 V for 5–12 s without MIL. Many require prior running time or a warm engine so a genuine −40 °C cold start does not count (Allison: coolant above 20 °C; Saab: over 10 minutes of driving). The transmission then stays in its cold strategy: open converter clutch, late upshifts.
P0713 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 P0713
- Fluid temperature shown around −40 °C
- Converter clutch stays open, late upshifts
- Higher fuel consumption
- Check engine or transmission lamp depending on manufacturer
Common causes of P0713
- Most likelyTransmission connector loose or corroded, wire open
- PossibleSensor open internally
- Less likelySignal wire shorted to positive
- 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 P0713 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. |
| 13 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0713 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 P0713
What does P0713 mean?
P0713 means "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High". 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 P0713?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0713 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0713 fail an emissions test?
P0713 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 P0713 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0713 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.