AutoCodesAudi – P0720 Audi

P0720 Audi 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 Audi 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 8,130
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0720 Audi 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 Audi - Output Speed Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P0720 Audi Code - Output Speed Sensor Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0720 Audi?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0720 Audi?

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 Audi 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0720 Audi Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0720 mean on an Audi?

P0720 indicates a problem with the Output Speed Sensor Circuit, which provides data to the transmission control module (TCM) about the speed of the output shaft.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0720 code in an Audi?

Symptoms may include erratic shifting, the transmission stuck in limp mode, inaccurate speedometer readings, and the illumination of the check engine light.

3. What causes the P0720 code on an Audi?

Common causes include a faulty output speed sensor, damaged or corroded wiring, a malfunctioning transmission control module, or mechanical issues within the transmission.

4. Can I drive my Audi with a P0720 code?

Driving with a P0720 code is not recommended, as it can lead to further transmission damage or unsafe driving conditions due to shifting issues.

5. How do I fix the P0720 code on my Audi?

Repairs may involve replacing the output speed sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming or replacing the transmission control module.

6. How do I diagnose the P0720 code on an Audi?

Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, visually inspecting the sensor and wiring, testing the output speed sensor with a multimeter, and checking the TCM for faults.

7. Where is the output speed sensor located on an Audi?

The output speed sensor is typically located on the transmission housing and monitors the rotational speed of the transmission's output shaft.

8. How much does it cost to repair the P0720 code on an Audi?

The repair cost varies but typically ranges from $150 to $400, depending on whether the issue is with the sensor, wiring, or TCM.

9. Can a P0720 code cause transmission failure in an Audi?

While the code itself doesn’t cause failure, ignoring it can lead to severe transmission issues if not addressed promptly.

10. Will clearing the P0720 code fix the problem in my Audi?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause will only temporarily remove the error, and it will likely return once the issue persists.

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