What P0710 means
The transmission fluid temperature sensor is an NTC thermistor whose resistance falls as the fluid warms; the module feeds it with 5 V through a resistor.
How the engine computer detects it
A low signal therefore means very hot or a short to ground, a high signal very cold or an open circuit. P0710 is the general circuit code used when a manufacturer does not separate low and high. Subaru-based systems (Saab 9-2X) flag 0.1 V or less or 4.7 V or more, light the MIL after two consecutive trips and use 80 °C (176 °F) as substitute. Ford's 2023 diesels use P0710 alongside P0712/P0713 for open and short circuits, without MIL, after 5–12 s, substituting coolant temperature. GM uses only the split codes. With the substitute value the shift quality suffers: harsh shifts and a late converter clutch.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Harsh or late shifts
- Torque converter clutch applies late or not at all
- Check engine or transmission lamp depending on manufacturer
- Implausible fluid temperature in the scan tool
Common causes
- Fluid temperature sensor faulty (often part of the internal harness or valve body) Most likely
- Transmission connector leaking or corroded, oil in the connector Possible
- Wire open or shorted Possible
- Transmission or engine module faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P0710
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: transmission fluid temperature sensor, transmission internal harness, transmission control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 7
- Transmission
- 10
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0710?
If the car shifts normally, drive gently to a shop. If it's stuck in one gear, slips, shifts harshly or won't move out of Park, don't drive it: have it towed.
Will P0710 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.