AutoCodes – Nissan – P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima

P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor

Quick Answer

The speed sensor (revolution sensor) detects the revolution of the idler gear parking pawl lock gear and emits a pulse signal. Common causes include Faulty Revolution Sensor, Revolution Sensor harness is open or shorted, Revolution 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 2001 Nissan Maxima indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Revolution Sensor, Revolution Sensor harness is open or shorted, Revolution 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 35,780

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 May 08, 2019

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima Description

The speed sensor (revolution sensor) detects the revolution of the idler gear parking pawl lock gear and emits a pulse signal. The pulse signal is sent to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) which converts it into vehicle speed.

2001 Nissan Maxima Speed Sensor (Revolution Sensor) Location

OBDII Code P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima - Vehicle Speed Sensor - AutoCodes.com — P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima?

Faulty Revolution Sensor
Revolution Sensor harness is open or shorted
Revolution Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

On most Nissan vehicles, the vehicle speed sensor is called Revolution Sensor. If there are no mechanical problems in the transmission, usually replacing the revolution sensor takes care of the problem.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima 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.

Need more information about the P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima code?

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0720 2001 Nissan Maxima Code

1. What does OBDII code P0720 mean for a 2001 Nissan Maxima?

Code P0720 indicates a problem with the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) in the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0720 fault in a Nissan Maxima?

Common symptoms include erratic speedometer readings, harsh shifting, incorrect or erratic gauge readings, and in some cases, the transmission may go into "limp mode."

3. What are the possible causes of a P0720 code in a 2001 Nissan Maxima?

Potential causes of a P0720 code include a faulty VSS, damaged wiring or connectors related to the sensor, or a malfunctioning instrument cluster.

4. How can I diagnose a P0720 code on my 2001 Nissan Maxima?

Diagnosing a P0720 code typically involves checking the VSS for proper operation, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and verifying the signal output using a scan tool.

5. Can a faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor cause other issues besides the P0720 code?

Yes, a malfunctioning VSS can cause a variety of issues such as inaccurate speedometer readings, cruise control problems, and issues with the transmission shifting correctly.

6. How difficult is it to replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor on a 2001 Nissan Maxima?

Replacing the VSS on a 2001 Nissan Maxima is typically a straightforward task that involves locating the sensor on the transmission, disconnecting the wiring, removing the old sensor, and installing the new one.

7. Are there any tips for repairing a P0720 code on a 2001 Nissan Maxima?

When repairing a P0720 code, it's important to inspect the wiring and connectors for damage before replacing the VSS, as wiring issues are a common culprit for this fault.

8. Can a P0720 code be cleared/reset without fixing the underlying issue?

Clearing or resetting a P0720 code without addressing the underlying problem, such as a faulty VSS, is not recommended as the issue will likely reoccur.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair a P0720 code on a 2001 Nissan Maxima?

The cost of repairing a P0720 code on a 2001 Nissan Maxima can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

10. Can a P0720 code cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test?

A P0720 code related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor may not directly cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test, but it should be addressed promptly to maintain proper vehicle operation and performance.