P0712

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor is a thermistor within the Automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure Manual Valve Position Switch (TFP Val. Position Sw.). The TFT sensor controls the signal voltage to the VCM. The VCM supplies a 5-volt reference signal to the sensor on circuit 1227. When the transmission fluid is cold, the sensor resistance is high. The VCM detects high signal voltage. As the transmission fluid temperature increases to the normal operating temperature of 100°C (212°F), the sensor resistance becomes less and the voltage decreases to 1.52 volts.

When the VCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT signal circuit or in the TFT sensor, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type B DTC.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
DTC P0712 sets if the following conditions occur two consecutive times:

^ The system voltage is 1017 volts.
^ The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
^ The TFT sensor indicates a voltage less than 0.2 volts.
^ All conditions met for 10 seconds.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS

NOTE: The scan tool does not display the default temperature.

^ The VCM uses a transmission fluid temperature default value of 135°C (275°F).
^ The VCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.
^ The VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC
^ The VCM turns OFF the MIL after three consecutive ignition cycles without a failure reported.
^ A scan tool can clear the DTC from the VCM history. The VCM clears the DTC from the VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.
^ The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the VCM.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
^ If a Transmission Fluid Overtemperature DTC P1812 is also set, examine the transmission cooling system.
^ Inspect the harness routing for a potential short to ground in circuit 1227. Normally, the scan tool TFT display should rise steadily to about 100°C (212°F), then stabilize.
^ Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the VCM. Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the transmission 20-way connector. Look for the following conditions:

- A bent terminal.
- A backed out terminal.
- A damaged terminal.
- Poor terminal tension.
- A chafed wire.
- A broken wire inside the insulation.

^ When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
^ Use the Temperature vs Resistance scale when testing the TFT sensor at various temperature levels. Test the TFT sensor in order to evaluate the possibility of a skewed (mis-scaled) sensor. A skewed sensor can result in delayed garage shifts or TCC complaints.
^ Verify the customer's driving habits, trailer towing, etc.

TEST DESCRIPTION
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic chart.

3. This Step tests for a short to ground or a skewed sensor.
4. This Step tests for an internal fault within the transmission by creating an open.