AutoCodes – MINI – P0720 MINI

P0720 MINI Code - Output Speed Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

The speed sensor detects the revolution of the idler gear parking pawl lock gear and emits a pulse signal. Common causes include Faulty Speed Sensor, Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, 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 MINI indicates Output Speed Sensor Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Speed Sensor, Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, 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.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 3,054

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 Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0720 MINI Description

The speed 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.

OBDII Code P0720 MINI - Output Speed Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0720 MINI Code - Output Speed Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0720 MINI?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0720 MINI?

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 MINI 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 MINI code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0720 MINI code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0720 MINI code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 MINI Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0720 on a MINI mean?

P0720 indicates a problem with the output speed sensor circuit, which monitors the rotational speed of the transmission's output shaft.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0720 on a MINI?

Symptoms may include erratic shifting, loss of power, poor acceleration, or the transmission staying in one gear.

3. What causes the P0720 code on a MINI?

Common causes include a faulty output speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the transmission control module (TCM).

4. Can I drive my MINI with the P0720 code active?

Driving with this code is not recommended as it may lead to erratic transmission behavior and potential damage to the transmission.

5. How do I troubleshoot the P0720 code on a MINI?

Start by inspecting the output speed sensor and its wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Check for any additional transmission-related codes.

6. How do I fix the P0720 code on my MINI?

The fix may involve replacing the output speed sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing TCM issues. Perform proper diagnostics before replacing parts.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P0720 code on a MINI?

Repair costs vary depending on the cause but typically range from $150 to $400 for parts and labor, depending on your location and repair shop.

8. Can a faulty output speed sensor cause other transmission issues?

Yes, a malfunctioning sensor can disrupt transmission operation, causing gear shifting problems and triggering other related error codes.

9. How can I prevent the P0720 code from recurring on my MINI?

Regular maintenance, including checking the transmission wiring and fluid levels, can help prevent sensor issues and related errors.

10. Will clearing the P0720 code fix the issue permanently?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem will not fix it, and the code is likely to return. Proper diagnosis and repair are necessary.