P0712 fault code: what it means

P0712: Transmission fluid temperature sensor circuit low.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Minor

Usual causes, most likely first

sensor wiring shorted to earth
failed fluid temperature sensor

P0712 by make

Honda

Short in ATF temperature sensor circuit. Shift quality may suffer.

Usual causes: ATF temperature sensor; wiring short

Mazda

Automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor circuit low. Shift quality may be harsh.

Usual causes: TFT sensor; wiring shorted

Mitsubishi

Transmission fluid temperature sensor shorted. Shift quality may suffer.

Usual causes: fluid temperature sensor; wiring short

Nissan

CVT fluid temperature sensor circuit reads low (shorted to ground). CVT runs in fail-safe: slow take-off or harsh engagement.

Usual causes: wiring shorted to ground; CVT fluid temperature sensor faulty

What the repair usually costs

Automatic transmission fluid service, drain and refill (car)NZ$210–NZ$470 · A$210–A$450
Automatic transmission fluid service (SUV / ute / 4WD)NZ$300–NZ$680 · A$290–A$650
Automatic transmission service with pan / filter (European ZF / Mercedes)NZ$610–NZ$1,240 · A$570–A$1,160
CVT fluid service (car)NZ$250–NZ$580 · A$250–A$550

Not sure what P0712 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.