🌡
P0712 means the sensor circuit is shorted to ground. On the scan tool, the TFT will read pinned-high temperature (often 300°F+) right at cold start. The fix is usually a wiring short at the trans case connector, or a sensor whose internal element has failed shorted - both common on Ford 6F35 and GM 6L80 transmissions. See top-rated scanners on Amazon ↑
These are statistical causes across ALL vehicles - your exact car may rank differently
For example, on a Honda 4-cyl the downstream O2 sensor causes P0712 64% of the time, but on a GM 5.3L V8 the catalytic converter is the cause 71% of the time. Get a probability ranking built specifically for your year, make, model, and mileage.
🔎 Get the ranking for my exact car - $5.99 →
🎯 Top Causes & Probability
60%
#1 - Most Likely
Shorted TFT Sensor
The thermistor inside the sensor has failed shorted, pinning the signal to ground. Sensor lives in the valve body or solenoid pack - usually requires a pan drop. Common on high-mileage transmissions with neglected fluid.
🔧 Part
$30–$280
👨🔧 Labor
$180–$400
⚡ DIY
Hard
25%
#2 - Check First
Wiring Short to Ground
The signal wire is chafed against the trans case or another ground source between the sensor and the PCM. Inspect harness near brackets and the trans case pass-through connector for ATF intrusion or rub-through.
🔧 Part
$15–$80
👨🔧 Labor
$80–$200
⚡ DIY
Medium
15%
#3 - Less Common
PCM / Internal Connector Issue
Less common, but a corroded PCM connector pin or internal PCM driver failure can mimic a shorted sensor. Test by disconnecting the sensor and watching live data - if value doesn't change, the issue is upstream.
🔧 Part
$0–$300
👨🔧 Labor
$100–$400
⚡ DIY
Hard
🚗 Most Affected Vehicles
🛈 Is It Safe to Drive with P0712?
P0712 typically locks the transmission into a default temperature value, which forces conservative shifting and may disable torque converter lockup until the trans is "warm." You can drive a few days, but harsh shifts and reduced fuel economy will get worse. Don't ignore it - the same internal component that fails shorted often points to neglected ATF, which causes much more expensive damage if not addressed.
🔧 Step-by-Step Diagnosis
- Read TFT live value cold - Key on, engine off, scan tool: TFT should match outside air temp. If it reads 280°F+ when the car is stone cold, the circuit is shorted to ground.
- Unplug TFT connector - With sensor unplugged, the reading should swing to the opposite extreme (-40°F or open). If it stays at 280°F+, the wire is shorted between connector and PCM.
- Check the case pass-through - ATF inside the trans connector is the #1 cause. Pull it apart, dry, and inspect for green/white corrosion or pin push-out.
- Resistance check at sensor - Ohm out the TFT at room temp - should read 1–3 kΩ for most sensors. Near zero confirms a shorted thermistor.
- Replace sensor or repair wiring - If sensor is shorted, replace it (often as part of solenoid pack). If wiring is shorted, repair with proper splice and protect against future ATF intrusion.
📍 Find a Trusted Shop Near You
Please enter a valid 5-digit ZIP code.
Tips for Choosing a Shop
- Look for a transmission specialist for any internal sensor work
- Request a written estimate before approving teardown
- Ask whether they'll test wiring before condemning the sensor
- Check Google reviews for recent ATF / sensor work