If the check engine light on your car links to a P0711 code error. Then you may be wondering what it means and, more importantly, how much it will cost to fix.
This error number means that there is a problem with the sensor that measures the temperature of the transmission fluid. We’ll talk about what might be causing a P0711 code. And what signs you might be having, and how to fix it.
What Does P0711 Code Mean?
The “A” transmission sensor circuit in a car is where the diagnostic fault code P0711 Code comes from. When a temperature sensor reading is outside of its normal range. This sensor usually uses to keep an eye on the temperature of the cleaning fluid in a transmission. And send real-time data about that temperature to the vehicle’s PCM.
Most current sensors that measure the temperature of transmission fluid use a 5v reference feed. Which internally resists and works with changing temperatures of the transmission fluid. The vehicle’s PCM then figures out what this resisted feedback voltage means in terms of temperature and sends it to the module’s working logic.
Actually, the input that a car’s transmission fluid temperature sensor sends is in use to find out a lot more than just when the fluid is getting too hot.
In fact, this information is a need for almost every important transmission function. Such as starting the shift logic and figuring out when the torque converter should engage or disconnect.
In the big picture, diagnostic Error P0711 Code is probably best thought of as a recorded event of overheating in a transmission’s sump. Whether it’s real or what the car’s PCM thinks it is.
Simply put, this logged event could mean that the device really did get too hot. Or it could just be wrong information from the temperature probe in question.
Symptoms of Code P0711
The diagnostic fault P0711 Code is often links to a number of different symptoms. Some of which are more troublesome than others. Figuring out what the problem is often depends on being able to recognize these signs as quickly and accurately as possible.
Here are some of the most common signs that you might have DTC P0711.
- The check engine light is on.
- abrupt or harsh changes
- Performance dropped
- Slippage of the torque converter
- Smoke from the engine
- It smells like transmission oil is on fire.
What Could Cause Code P0711
Possible reasons for Code P0711 include a lot of different issues, some of which can be hard to figure out. If you know about these options, though, you’ll probably be better at making the right diagnosis and fixing it quickly.
Most of the time, P0711 Code is cause by one of the following.
- Not enough transmission oil
- Transmission oil that is faulty or dirty
- The transmission temperature sensor is broken.
- Circuit broken to or from transmission temperature sensor
- PCM/ECM Not Working
- Failure of the internal transmission
Is P0711 Code a Big Deal?
In general, DTC P0711 is a pretty big problem. The gearbox in your car might not really be overheating, but there is always a chance that it is.
Because of this, the affected car shouldn’t be driven again until the primary cause of the problem is found. The best thing to do is to pull over and turn off the car in question, just like when you think an engine is overheating.
If, in fact, a car’s transmission fluid has gone above the hotter end of its recommended temperature range, the oil can break down very quickly. There is a big chance that this will damage a car’s transmission, causing it to slip or fail in other ways.
For now, trying to drive with this kind of active fault is likely to cause a number of symptoms linked to driveability, such as shifting that doesn’t work right.
In any case, the P0711 diagnostic fault code should be fixed as soon as possible after the cause has been fully identified. This will keep your car’s engine safe from unnecessary stress. Which will prevent the need for expensive repairs.
If you think that diagnosing and fixing the problem would be too hard, you should take your car to a gearbox or auto repair shop you trust to look at it instead of trying to do it yourself.
How to Fix the P0711 Code
You can use these steps to figure out where the P0711 code in your car came from, but before you start any work, make sure you have a good repair manual that is specific to your make and model. If you try to fix something without the right paperwork, you might make things worse.
1: Look for any other DTCs
Before you start the troubleshooting process, you should always use an OBD-II scan tool to see if there are any other fault codes. If you find more codes, carefully analyze them before moving on.
2: Check the transmission fluid
The first thing you should do is carefully check the amount and quality of your car’s transmission fluid.
If the fluid in question is low, it should be filled up and the whole thing should be checked for leaks. If this fluid is dark or smells like it’s been burned, you probably need a full transmission cleaning.
3: Check the wiring and sensor
Next, you should carefully check the temperature sensor for the transmission fluid for clear signs of damage. Any problems that are found will eventually lead to a replacement.
Also, check the wire pigtail that goes with this sensor for damage or corrosion that you can see. Any situations that aren’t following the rules should be fixed before moving forward.
4: Make sure sensor inputs and outputs are good.
If the visual checks didn’t show anything, you should make sure that the sensor in question has a correct input feed and a ground. If either number is missing, you will need to do more electrical testing.
When all values are present, use multimeter to record the resisting voltage from the sensor’s feedback wire. If you don’t see any feedback voltage, you can measure the resistance between the sensor’s input and output lines and compare it to the values recommended by the car’s maker.
5: Drain and check the fluid
If the transmission temperature sensor in your car passes the tests, there is a good chance that the transmission did get too hot. To get a better idea of this problem, Drain transmission oil from a car and kept for further study.
You should look very carefully for shiny metal or signs of clutch-pack dirt. A lot of this stuff would mean that there is a problem with the internal transmission.
