What P0722 means
The transmission computer isn't receiving any signal from the output shaft speed sensor. Expect harsh shifts, a stuck gear or a dead speedometer. A failed sensor or broken wire is the usual cause.
How the engine computer detects it
The output shaft speed sensor (Hall or inductive) reports the speed of the transmission output; it gives the gear ratio together with input speed and on many vehicles also the road speed for speedometer and cruise control. P0722 means the output speed signal is missing while the vehicle is driving. GM's 2025 modules flag under 60 rpm for 3.5–5 s with more than 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) torque and check wheel speeds as well; a 2006 GM table flags no output pulse during 6000 input pulses; Ford under 100–200 rpm for 5–30 s; Saab's Aisin box from 4 km/h (2 mph). GM rates it after one trip. The transmission goes into limp mode, and speedometer and cruise control may stop working. On GM's 10-speed, P0717 and P0722 together point to the shared sensor supply.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Speedometer reads 0
- Limp mode or fixed gear
- Warning lamp (MIL, transmission)
- Cruise control not working
Common causes
- Speed sensor faulty (Hall IC or coil open or shorted) Most likely
- Connector or harness corroded, chafed or loose pins (with internal sensors also the pass-through connector) Most likely
- Metal debris on the sensor magnet or damaged reluctor wheel Possible
- Transmission module or its sensor supply faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P0722
- Inspect the sensor connector and wiring along the transmission for chafing or corrosion.
- Pull the sensor and clean metal particles off its magnetic tip.
- Check for power and ground at the sensor connector with the key on.
- Replace the sensor if wiring and power are good. On some transmissions it sits inside and needs the pan removed.
Vehicles that report P0722 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 2010–2017 | 110 | 116k | |
| Ford Edge | 2007–2008 | 5 | 91k | |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2022 | 4 | — | |
| Dodge Caliber | 2007–2009 | 3 | 150k | |
| Ford Mustang | 2012–2013 | 3 | — | |
| Lincoln Navigator | 2014–2017 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0722 (141 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
- 22
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0722?
Drive gently to a shop. The transmission may stay in one gear, which limits speed.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0722?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Can I fix P0722 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0722. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
- P0720Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit47 complaints
- P0721Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance8 complaints
- P1500Manufacturer-specific code8 complaints
- P061AInternal Control Module Torque Performance7 complaints
- P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)7 complaints
- P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio6 complaints
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.