P0720 Code - Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
Quick Answer
The Output Shaft Speed (OSS) Sensor provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with information about the rotational speed of an output shaft. Common causes include Faulty Output Speed Sensor (OSS), Output Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Output Speed 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
- P0720 indicates Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Output Speed Sensor (OSS), Output Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Output Speed 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.
Code P0720 Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0720?
- Faulty Output Speed Sensor (OSS)
- Output Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
- Output Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
How to Fix the DTC P0720?
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 P0720 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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Information for Specific Makes
- P0720 Acura — Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Audi — Output Speed Sensor Circuit
- P0720 BMW — Output Speed Sensor Circuit
- P0720 Chrysler — Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Dodge — Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Ford — Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Honda — Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Hyundai — Output Speed Sensor Error
- P0720 Infiniti — Vehicle Speed Sensor
- P0720 Isuzu — Transmission Countershaft Speed Sensor Fault
- P0720 Jeep — Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 KIA — Output Shaft Speed Sensor System
- P0720 Lincoln — Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Mazda — Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Mercedes-Benz — Output Speed Sensor Error
- P0720 Mercury — Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 MINI — Output Speed Sensor Circuit
- P0720 Mitsubishi — Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Nissan — Vehicle Speed Sensor
- P0720 Subaru — Output Speed Sensor Circuit
- P0720 Suzuki — Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- P0720 Volkswagen — Output Speed Sensor Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions about P0720 Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction)?
- Common symptoms include erratic or incorrect speedometer readings, harsh shifting, delayed or no shifting, and illuminated check engine light.
2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0720?
- Possible causes of this code include a faulty output shaft speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the speed sensor circuit, or a faulty transmission control module.
3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0720?
- Diagnosing this code may involve using a scan tool to retrieve the specific fault code, checking the output shaft speed sensor and its wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's resistance and signal output.
4. What are the repair options for OBDII code P0720?
- Repair options may include replacing the output shaft speed sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming the transmission control module if necessary.
5. Can driving with OBDII code P0720 cause further damage to the vehicle?
- Driving with this code may lead to transmission issues, such as harsh shifting or potential damage to the transmission components. It is recommended to address the issue promptly.
6. How urgent is it to address OBDII code P0720?
- It is recommended to address this code as soon as possible to prevent potential transmission issues and ensure the vehicle operates safely and efficiently.
7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0720 at home?
- Depending on the individual's experience and tools available, it may be possible to address this code at home by replacing the output shaft speed sensor or repairing damaged wiring.
8. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P0720 in the future?
- Regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing transmission fluid as recommended by the manufacturer, can help prevent issues that may trigger this fault code.
9. Is it safe to drive the vehicle if OBDII code P0720 appears intermittently?
- It is not advisable to drive the vehicle if the code appears intermittently, as it may indicate underlying issues that can worsen over time and potentially lead to transmission failure.
10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0720 at a professional auto repair shop?
- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause, parts needed, and labor rates. It is advisable to consult with a trusted auto repair shop for an accurate estimate.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0720 OBDII Code
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2000 saturn speed sensor car not switch ing gears from first to second.
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I got this code along with a P0500 code for my 1994 Lexus es300 that read that there was a problem with speed sensor 'A'. Do I need to replace both the output shaft and the speed sensor or would repairing the speed sensor itself do the trick?
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Hello. Just wanted to say, thank you, my car works better then before. There's still a bit of delay going on, but it's an overall improvement.
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i'm getting 2 codes:
P0720
AND
P0720 PD
i have no idea what the PD one is
i have a 2001 nissan sentra gxe 1.8
i purchased an aftermarket speed sensor from napa autoparts
where is the speed sensor located on my car? and where can i access it from?
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Not sure what the "PD" means either, it's probably your scanner code.
On your 2001 Nissan Sentra, the "Speed Sensor" it's called "Revolution Sensor" and it's located on the side of the transmission.
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I have two codes come up when the engine light is on and the car is bucking code po715 and po720
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so i have the same codes coming up on my montero sport 715 and 720 and my suv was not shifting at all for months. i just took the manifold apart to replace plugs and wires and then i also replaced the seals and gasket where the plugs go because there was oil leaking into the plugs and wires after i was done the car now shifts fine and has a lot more power does anyone know if the sensor has to reset or why it is shifting fine now and has so much more power but them sensors are going off
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What year and engine size s your Montero? You probably have to replace the vehicles speed sensor to fix the problem.
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07 nissan altima 2.5 code p0720 on ..whent to dealer for a new transmission and 3rd wont shift on AT ..run diagnostics and they said code p0720
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The dealer replaced the transmission?
If the problem happened after replacing the transmission, you should take it back to them. They probably didn't properly connect the wires.
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Nop..took it to a transmission shop..what do you think is the problem then??
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I'm sorry, but it's not clear for me what happen. Did any one replaced the transmission? do you have a CVT or Automatic Transmission? The problem is the "Revolution Sensor", but the revolution sensor is inside the transmission and it's part of the valve body, to fix the problem you have to replaced the valve body.
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Its a cvt that was replace with a brand new one at a transmission shop..they run a diagnostic at the dealer after they tried to reprogram the new cvt and gets code p0720 the dealer says i have to the replace the TCM ..this car is running me crazy
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The TCM and the revolution sensor are part of the valve body. Take it back to the transmission shop.
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I replaced speed sensor but still problem code p0720
My car yaris 2012
Nsp130l -
P0720 acura 2002 model 3.2 v6 Engine pls help me locate output speed sensor
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