Transmission · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0713: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit High
P0713 means the transmission fluid temperature sensor signal voltage is higher than normal, usually read as extremely cold fluid or an open circuit.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0713 sets
When the transmission fluid temperature circuit is open, unplugged or shorted to a voltage source, the signal rises toward the reference voltage. The transmission control module (TCM) sees this high voltage, which would indicate unrealistically cold fluid, and sets P0713 after a set time. Exact limits are manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0713
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Unplugged or loose transmission connector
- Open circuit in the sensor or its wiring
- Corroded terminals raising circuit resistance
- Signal wire shorted to a voltage source
- Failed fluid temperature sensor
- TCM fault
P0713 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Fluid temperature reading stuck at a very cold value
- Delayed upshifts or harsh shifts
- Torque converter clutch does not lock up
- Lower fuel economy
How P0713 is diagnosed
- Record freeze frame and verify fluid temperature in live data on a warm vehicle
- Inspect the transmission connector for being unplugged, loose or corroded
- Jumper the sensor terminals at the connector and confirm the reading swings to extreme hot, which proves the wiring
- Check sensor resistance against specification
- Check the signal circuit for opens or shorts to voltage
Typical fixes for P0713
- Reconnect or repair the transmission connector
- Repair open or high-resistance wiring
- Replace the fluid temperature sensor or internal harness
- Replace the TCM if testing confirms it is faulty
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P0713 FAQ
What does code P0713 mean?
P0713 means the transmission fluid temperature sensor signal voltage is higher than normal, usually read as extremely cold fluid or an open circuit. The standard definition is "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit High."
Can I drive with a P0713 code?
Most vehicles remain drivable for a short period, often with delayed upshifts or no converter lockup. Have it diagnosed within days since overheating protection may be compromised.
Can recent transmission work cause P0713?
Yes. A connector left unplugged or not fully seated after a fluid service or repair is a common reason for this code.
Why won't my torque converter lock up with this code?
Many computers block converter lockup when they believe the fluid is cold or the temperature reading is invalid, to protect the transmission.
Keep researching
More transmission codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.