P0711: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Key takeaways
- P0711 means the transmission fluid temperature reading is out of step with what the computer expects, such as not warming up or jumping around.
- Most cars drive normally, though shifts can feel harsh or late because the computer adjusts pressure for fluid temperature.
- Check fluid level, look for a software bulletin and check that the engine warms up properly before replacing the sensor.
- Subaru and several Chrysler-group brands have software updates for P0711; Kia has a bulletin to replace the oil temperature sensor on its 6-speed automatic.
- Fixes run about $100 for a software update to $1,500 for a replaced and programmed transmission computer.
What P0711 means
Your transmission’s temperature reading doesn’t make sense to the computer. Scanners call it Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. The fluid temperature sensor tells the transmission computer how warm the fluid is, and the computer uses that to set line pressure, shift timing and torque converter lockup. It watches the reading over time: after a drive the fluid should have warmed up, and the number shouldn’t jump, freeze or disagree badly with engine temperature. When it does, it stores P0711. The wiring usually isn’t shorted or open (those are P0712 and P0713); the signal is there but doesn’t behave.
Is it safe to drive?
Yes, in most cases, while you arrange a repair. Without a believable temperature the computer falls back on a default value, so shifts may feel firm or late and lockup may come in later, but the car drives. What changes the answer: a transmission temperature warning, slipping, limp mode, or a burnt smell. Any of those means the fluid may really be overheating, and heat is what destroys transmissions. Pull over, let it cool, and have it checked before driving further.
Causes, ranked
| Cause | How you confirm it | Typical cost (US independent shop, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Software needing an update | A bulletin covers your make, model and year | $100–$200 |
| Low or old fluid, or a cooling problem | Fluid level and condition; transmission temperature in live data on a test drive | $20–$100 top up; $150–$300 fluid service |
| Engine thermostat stuck open | Engine temperature stays low; heater lukewarm on the highway | $150–$450 |
| Wiring or connector at the transmission | Reading drops out when the harness is moved; corrosion or fluid in the connector | $100–$250 |
| Failed fluid temperature sensor | Reading stays fixed or jumps while the fluid is clearly warming | $150–$400 separate sensor; $400–$900 when built into the internal harness |
| Transmission control module | Sensor and wiring test good; other TCM faults stored | $500–$1,500 including programming |
What to check first
- Look for a bulletin first; P0711 has more software fixes than most sensor codes.
- Check the fluid level and condition. Red drips underneath? See the red fluid leak guide.
- Make sure the engine warms up. If the engine temperature gauge sits low or the heater is weak, fix the thermostat first.
- Watch transmission temperature in live data from a cold start. It should climb smoothly with engine temperature; a flat or jumpy line points at the sensor or wiring.
- Test the sensor resistance and wiring at the transmission connector before dropping the pan.
- Clear it and drive is fine after a software update or a thermostat fix, to confirm it stays gone.
The bulletins show a clear pattern. Subaru issued a transmission computer update aimed at P0711 on 2019–2022 Ascent, and Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat and Ram issued flashes for 2015–2016 Cherokee, Renegade, 200, 500, 500X and ProMaster City. Kia’s bulletin for its 6-speed automatic replaces the oil temperature sensor. Ford has bulletins on 10R80 and 10R140 trucks.
What it costs
The cheap outcome is a software update at $100–$200, or a thermostat at $150–$450 if the engine is running cold. The common outcome is a wiring repair or temperature sensor at $100–$400, or $400–$900 when the sensor is part of the internal harness. The expensive outcome is a replaced and programmed transmission computer at $500–$1,500. Checking bulletins and live data first avoids paying for a pan drop that a software update would have fixed.
Related codes
P0711 can appear with P0712 or P0713 (sensor reading low or high) when the fault is electrical, and with P0218 (transmission over temperature) when the fluid really is running hot. The engine computer may also store P0700. If the car jerks while driving, mention it. 28 complaints filed with NHTSA mention P0711, led by the GMC Sierra 1500 with 6; a complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed cause.
What owners report to NHTSA
28 complaints filed with NHTSA mention P0711, 28 of them since 2015, across 12 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: power train.
Most-reported models
| Vehicle | Complaints | Model years reported |
|---|---|---|
| GMC SIERRA 1500 | 6 | 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 | 4 | 2015, 2016, 2020 |
| HYUNDAI ELANTRA | 3 | 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| CHEVROLET CAMARO | 3 | 2016, 2017 |
Manufacturer service bulletins that name P0711
67 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention P0711, from 7 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:
- SUBARU ASCENT (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), bulletin 10240116: This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The new files were designed to address cases of DTC P0711 (Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Ra…
- FORD F-450 SD (2020, 2021), bulletin 10194427: Some 2020-2021 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with an 10R140 automatic transmission may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction indicator (wrench) lamp with various transmiss…
- KIA KIA, bulletin 10090166: TSB: 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OIL TEMPERATURE SENSOR DTC P0711, P0712 & P0713 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO REPLACING THE TRANSAXLE OIL TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES WITH DTC P07…
- FORD F-150 (2017), bulletin 10137068: Some 2017 F-150/Raptor vehicles equipped with a 10R80 automatic transmission built on or before 1-Aug-2017 may exhibit harsh or delayed shifts and/or an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic troubl…
- FIAT 500X (2016), bulletin 10121794: Flash: Transmission Diagnostic and Shift Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (…
- JEEP RENEGADE (2015, 2016), bulletin 10121794: Flash: Transmission Diagnostic and Shift Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (…
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database and manufacturer communications file, snapshots September 2026. A complaint or bulletin that mentions a code is a report about that vehicle, not a statement that the code has one cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0711?
Usually yes. The transmission still works, but it may shift harder or later, and some cars hold off torque converter lockup until they see a sensible temperature. If a transmission overheat warning comes on, or it slips or goes into limp mode, stop and have it checked.
Where is the transmission fluid temperature sensor?
On most modern automatics it sits inside the transmission, on the valve body or built into the internal wiring harness, so the pan has to come off to reach it. A few transmissions have it screwed into the case where it can be reached from outside.
Can a bad thermostat cause P0711?
It can. Many transmissions warm up partly through engine coolant, and some computers compare fluid temperature with engine temperature. An engine thermostat stuck open keeps both cold, and the computer may flag the transmission sensor. Check that the engine reaches normal temperature first.
What's the difference between P0711, P0712 and P0713?
P0712 and P0713 are circuit codes: the reading is stuck low or high, often from a short or an open wire. P0711 means the signal is present but doesn't behave the way it should, which brings software, fluid and warm-up problems into play.