AutoCodes – Saturn – P0712 Saturn

P0712 Saturn Code - Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Low Input

Quick Answer

The Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is a resistor, or thermistor, which changes value based on temperature. Common causes include Faulty Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor, Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0712 Saturn indicates Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Low Input.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor, Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted, Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 5,663

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 30, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0712 Saturn Description

The Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is a resistor, or thermistor, which changes value based on temperature. The sensor has a negative-temperature coefficient. This means that as the temperature increases, the resistance decreases, and as the temperature decreases, the resistance increases. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the sensor and measures the voltage drop in the circuit. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high and the PCM detects high signal voltage. As the fluid temperature warms to a normal operating temperature, the resistance becomes less and the signal voltage decreases.

OBDII Code P0712 Saturn - Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Low Input - AutoCodes.com — P0712 Saturn Code - Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Low Input

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0712 Saturn?

Faulty Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0712 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0712 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.