What P0711 means
P0711 means the fluid temperature signal is electrically valid but implausible.
How the engine computer detects it
Manufacturers check three things: the fluid does not warm up as expected (GM 2025 still below 15 °C (59 °F) after the calibrated warm-up time, Saab's AF40 below 20 °C (68 °F) after 10 minutes of driving), the value is stuck (Ford: within ±2 °F for about 2.5 minutes below 70 or above 225 °F), or it jumps unrealistically. GM's 6T70 compares it with the module's internal temperature. The MIL rating varies: GM's newer modules after two trips, Saab AF40 none, Ford none; a 2013 Ram 6.7 bulletin moved P0711–P0714 from one to two trips. A substitute value then limits adaption and converter clutch control.
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 drifting or stuck Most likely
- High contact resistance in connector or harness (oil, corrosion) Possible
- Very cold weather or short trips (fluid does not reach warm-up threshold) Possible
- Outdated module software Less likely
- Fluid cooler thermostat faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P0711
- 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.
Vehicles that report P0711 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2015–2017 | 6 | — | |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2015–2020 | 4 | — | |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2011–2013 | 3 | 59k | |
| Chevrolet Camaro | 2016–2017 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0711 (28 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 7
- Transmission
- 11
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0711?
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 P0711 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.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0711. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
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.