P0716 code meaning
Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0716 means
The input or turbine shaft speed sensor – a Hall sensor with square-wave output or an inductive sensor with sine output – reports the speed behind the torque converter. With output and engine speed it gives the actual gear ratio, converter slip and shift timing. P0716 means a signal is present but implausible: too high, or dropping suddenly without recovering. GM's 2025 modules count drops of more than 650 rpm between 25 ms samples and fail after more than three; the 6T70 in the Saab 9-4X flags a 1350 rpm drop for 1 s; the 2007 Allison 1000 also detects noise and swapped sensor wires; all after one trip. Ford's 6R80 flags turbine speed above 7700 rpm. The 6T70 then runs only reverse and fifth gear, with maximum line pressure and no converter clutch.
P0716 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0716
- Check engine and/or transmission warning lamp
- Limp mode with fixed gear (6T70: reverse and fifth only)
- Harsh or delayed shifts
- Torque converter clutch locked out
Common causes of P0716
- Most likelyLoose contact or chafing in the sensor circuit
- PossibleSensor faulty, wrong air gap or metal debris
- PossibleReluctor wheel or clutch drum damaged
- Less likelySensor wires swapped after repair or interference
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Input speed sensorSensor wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0716 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. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0716 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 P0716
What does P0716 mean?
P0716 means "Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance". The input or turbine shaft speed sensor – a Hall sensor with square-wave output or an inductive sensor with sine output – reports the speed behind the torque converter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0716?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0716 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0716 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0716 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0716 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0716 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.