P0718 code meaning
Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0718 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. P0718 means the signal is present but jumps or drops out briefly. Ford's gasoline modules from 2012 to 2023 count 200 turbine speed spikes above 400 rpm with at most 1.5 s between them in a forward gear. GM's Honda-built five-speed of 2006 flags jumps of more than 3 mph per 10 ms three times in 500 ms, after two trips; GM's own transmissions file such jumps under P0716 instead. Loose contacts and electrical interference are the usual causes; shifts become erratic and limp mode may follow at times.
P0718 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0718
- Occasional harsh or unexpected shifts
- Warning lamp
- Converter clutch applies and releases unevenly
- Limp mode at times
Common causes of P0718
- Most likelyLoose contact, corroded connector or chafing
- PossibleElectrical interference (shielding, ground, added consumers)
- PossibleMetal debris on the sensor or loose mounting
- PossibleSensor faulty internally (temperature-dependent)
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 P0718 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. |
| 18 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0718 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 P0718
What does P0718 mean?
P0718 means "Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Intermittent". 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 P0718?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0718 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0718 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0718 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 P0718 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0718 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.