P0712

Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0712?

Usually yes for short trips, but without a valid fluid temperature the transmission may shift harshly and can't protect itself from overheating. Fix it before towing or hard use.

Q: Can I just clear P0712?

It returns quickly if the sensor or its wiring is still shorted or faulty.

Transmission temperature sensor Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0712 means the transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit is reading abnormally low — usually a short-to-ground or a failed sensor. The transmission uses fluid temperature to set shift timing and converter lockup and to protect itself from overheating, so a bad reading can cause harsh shifts and remove that protection, though the car generally still drives.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually yes, but shift quality and converter lockup may suffer and overheat protection is impaired — get it fixed before towing or long drives.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

144

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0712 scans

P0713in 44.4% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Harsh or delayed shifting
Torque converter clutch not locking up
Slightly reduced fuel economy

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensorLikely
Short-to-ground in the sensor signal circuitCommon
Corroded or loose connector at the sensorCommon
Wiring damage or failed TCM/ECM inputLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Scan and read freeze-frame; a fixed very-low temperature reading points to a short or sensor fault.
Inspect the sensor wiring and connector for a short-to-ground or corrosion.
Measure the sensor's resistance against a temperature chart; replace if out of spec.
If wiring and sensor are good, check the TCM/ECM input, then clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0712?+

Usually yes for short trips, but without a valid fluid temperature the transmission may shift harshly and can't protect itself from overheating. Fix it before towing or hard use.

Can I just clear P0712?+

It returns quickly if the sensor or its wiring is still shorted or faulty.

Read & clear P0712 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX