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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0711 3.8L


Object Number: 1552112  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. As the transmission fluid warms up, the sensor resistance decreases. This diagnostic monitors the TFT sensor circuit. The circuit may be functional but not in the normal operating range. This diagnostic indicates stuck, erratic, intermittent, or skewed values, resulting in reduced system performance. The TFT sensor range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +304°F).

If the powertrain control module (PCM) detects an intermittent voltage or no voltage change in the TFT sensor circuit, then DTC P0711 sets. DTC P0711 is a type C DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No ECT DTCs P0117 or P0118.
    • No VSS DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No ISS DTCs P0716 or P0717.
    • The engine coolant temperature is at least 84°C (183°F) and has changed 55°C (99°F) since start up.
    • The engine run time is 5 minutes or more.
    • The TFT sensor voltage is 0.2-4.92 volts.
    • The transmission fluid temperature at start-up is -40 to +21°C (-40 to +69°F).
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or more for at least 6 minutes and 49 seconds cumulative.
    • The TCC slip is 80 RPM or more for at least 6 minutes and 49 seconds cumulative.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P0711 sets when one of the following conditions occurs:

Condition 1

The change in transmission fluid temperature is 1.5°C (2°F) or less since start-up for at least 6 minutes and 49 seconds continuous.

Condition 2

The change in transmission fluid temperature is 20°C (36°F) or more 14 times within 7 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The PCM calculates a default TFT from the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The PCM stores DTC P0711 in PCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool can clear the DTC.
    • The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step attempts to repeat the condition that set the DTC.

  2. This step attempts to repeat the condition in the engine wiring harness.

  3. This step determines if a condition exists with the PCM or TFT sensor.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Did you perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear DTC Information function will erase the stored Failure Records from the PCM.

  4. Record the Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Record the temperature at the start and end of the trip.
  7. Drive the vehicle for at least 7 minutes.
  8. Using a scan tool, observe Trans. Fluid Temp. for rapid fluctuations in temperature.

Did you record the temperatures?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

Did the transmission fluid temperature rise more than the specified value?

1.5°C (2.7°F)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Install the J 44152 Jumper Harness on the engine side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  4. Install a 12 volt test-light between the TFT sensor signal and the low reference circuits of the AT inline 20-way connector using a J 35616 GM Terminal Test Kit.
  5. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

  6. Turn ON the ignition switch with the engine OFF.
  7. While observing the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter on the scan tool, wiggle the engine wiring harness from the PCM connectors to the AT inline 20-way connector.

Does the transmission fluid temperature change by more than the specified value?

20°C (36°F)

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter.

Does the transmission fluid temperature change more than the specified value when the AT inline 20-way connector is disconnected?

1.5°C (2.7°F)

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

7

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the PCM and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems
    •  Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

8

Test the low reference circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the PCM and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems
    •  Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

9

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Test the low reference circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.8L
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the Automatic Transmission Wiring Harness Assembly.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the TFT sensor.

Refer to Fluid Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear DTC Information.
  3. Drive the vehicle from a cool start, for at least 5 minutes.
  4. • The rise in transmission fluid temperature must be at least 2.25°C (4°F) since start up.
    • The change in transmission fluid temperature must not be greater than 20°C (36°F) in 7 seconds.
  5. Select Specific DTC.
  6. Enter DTC P0711.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

 

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK

DTC P0711 3.6L


Object Number: 1552111  Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. As the transmission fluid warms up, the sensor resistance decreases. This diagnostic monitors the TFT sensor circuit. The circuit may be functional but not in the normal operating range. This diagnostic indicates stuck, erratic, intermittent, or skewed values, resulting in reduced system performance. The TFT sensor range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +304°F).

If the transmission control module (TCM) detects an intermittent voltage or no voltage change in the TFT sensor circuit, then DTC P0711 sets. DTC P0711 is a type C DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No ECT DTCsP0117 or P0118.
    • No VSS DTCs P0502 or P0503.
    • No ISS DTCs P0716 or P0717.
    • The engine coolant temperature is at least 70°C (158°F) and has changed 55°C (99°F) since start up.
    • The engine run time is 5 minutes or more.
    • The TFT sensor voltage is 0.2-4.92 volts.
    • The transmission fluid temperature at start-up is -40 to +21°C (-40 to +69°F).
    • The vehicle speed is 8 km/h (5 mph) or more for at least 5 minutes cumulative.
    • The TCC slip is 120 RPM or more for at least 5 minutes cumulative.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P0711 sets when one of the following conditions occurs:

Condition 1

The change in transmission fluid temperature is 2°C (4°F) or less when the TFT is -40 to +21°C (-40 to +68°F) at start up for at least 6 minutes and 49 seconds continuous.

Condition 2

The change in transmission fluid temperature is 2°C (4°F) when the TFT is 129°C-150°C (264°F-302°F) at start up for at least 6 minutes and 49 seconds continuous.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The TCM does not request the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The TCM calculates a default TFT from the ECT sensor and the IAT sensor.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0711 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A scan tool can clear the DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Test Description

The numbers below refers to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step attempts to repeat the condition that set the DTC.

  2. This step attempts to repeat the condition in the engine wiring harness.

  3. This step determines if a condition exists with the TCM or TFT sensor.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Did you perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Transmission Fluid Check

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function will erase the stored Failure Records from the TCM.

  4. Record the Failure Records.
  5. Clear the DTC.
  6. Record the temperature at the start and end of the trip.
  7. Drive the vehicle for at least 7 minutes.

Did you record the temperatures?

--

Go to Step 4

--

4

Did the transmission fluid temperature rise more than the specified value?

1.5°C (2.7°F)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Install the J 44152 jumper harness on the engine side of the AT inline 20-way connector.
  4. Install a 12 volt test-light between the TFT sensor terminal of the AT inline 20-way connector using a J 35616 GM terminal test kit.
  5. Refer to Automatic Transmission Inline 20-Way Connector End View .

  6. Turn ON the ignition switch with the engine OFF.
  7. While observing the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter on the scan tool, wiggle the engine wiring harness from the TCM connectors to the AT inline 20-way connector.

Does the transmission fluid temperature change by more than the specified value?

20°C (36°F) in 0.20 seconds

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
  2. Disconnect the AT inline 20-way connector. Additional DTCs may set.
  3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Trans. Fluid Temp. parameter.

Does the transmission fluid temperature change more than the specified value when the AT inline 20-way connector is disconnected?

1.5°C (2.7°F)

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

7

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.6L.
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems
    •  Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 8

8

Test the low reference circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the TCM and the AT inline 20-way connector.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.6L.
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems
    •  Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

9

Test the signal circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.6L .
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Test the low reference circuit of the TFT sensor for an intermittent open or short to ground between the AT inline 20-way connector and the TFT sensor.

Refer to:

    •  Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.6L.
    •  Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems

Did you find the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the Automatic Transmission Wiring Harness Assembly.

Refer to Wiring Harness Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the TFT sensor.

Refer to Fluid Temperature Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the TCM.

Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up or programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Drive the vehicle from a cool start, for at least 5 minutes. The rise in transmission fluid temperature must be at least 3°C (5.4°F) since start up.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0711.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK