GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0711: Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Performance.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5 Volt Reference Circuit

P0712

P0712

P0713

--

Signal Circuit

P0712

P0712

P0713

P0711

Low Reference Circuit

--

P0713

--

--

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. As the transmission fluid warms up, the sensor resistance decreases. This diagnostic monitors the TFT circuit. The circuit may be functional, but not in the normal operating range. This diagnostic indicates stuck or skewed, inaccurate values, indicating poor system performance. The TFT range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +305°F).

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Transmission Protection Mode is OFF.
    • Vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h.
    • The Transmission range switch is in DRIVE, INTERMEDIATE, LOW, or REVERSE.
    • The TFT at startup is less than 20°C (68°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TFT has not changed by more than 5°C (9°F) since startup for 15 minutes.

Action Taken when the DTCs Set

    • No lock-up slip neutral control or uphill/downhill control until transmission fluid temperature is greater than 40°C (104°F) for 5 seconds.
    • The engine control module (ECM) discontinues updating the transmission adaptive pressure (TAP) memory cells.
    • The transmission control module (TCM) uses 30°C (86°F) as a default transmission fluid temperature.
    • DTC P1719 is disabled.
    • DTC P0711 is a Type A DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The ECM turns off the MIL after the third consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.
    • DTC P0711 is a Type A DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Transmission Component and System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List/Type

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. If DTC P0712 or P0713 is set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle before diagnosing P0711.
  2. Perform the Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure. Refer to: Transmission Fluid Check .
  3. Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes and observe the TFT on the scan tool. The temperature should change greater than 5° C (9°F).

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Drive the vehicle for 15 minutes and record the scan tool TFT parameter.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the AT inline 14-way connector at the transmission.
  3. Ignition ON, observe the TFT on the scan tool. Verify the scan tool TFT parameter value changes greater than 5° C (9°F).
  4. If greater than the specified range, replace the TFT sensor which is part of the automatic transmission harness assembly.
    If less than the specified range, replace the TCM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for TCM replacement, setup, and programming