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P0713 means the TFT circuit is open - or reading like it is. On a scan tool, the TFT will pin to its lowest possible value (typically -40°F or 248°F depending on PCM logic). Most common cause is a disconnected sensor connector or a broken signal wire. On Ford 6F35 and Honda 5-speed transmissions, ATF leaking into the case connector pushes pins out and creates this exact fault. 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 P0713 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.
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🎯 Top Causes & Probability
60%
#1 - Most Likely
Open / Disconnected Sensor
The TFT connector has come loose, pins have backed out, or the wire is broken between sensor and PCM. Open circuits read as full-cold to the PCM. The case connector at the transmission is the most common failure point - ATF intrusion pushes the pins out.
🔧 Part
$0–$80
👨🔧 Labor
$60–$220
⚡ DIY
Medium
25%
#2 - Check First
Failed TFT Sensor (Open)
The thermistor element has failed open internally. Sensor sits in ATF inside the trans, often integrated into the solenoid pack. Replacement requires pan drop and fresh fluid.
🔧 Part
$30–$280
👨🔧 Labor
$180–$400
⚡ DIY
Hard
15%
#3 - Less Common
Corroded Connector / Bad Pin Tension
Green corrosion on the case connector creates a high-resistance connection that the PCM reads as open. Clean and re-tension the pins; if corrosion has eaten the pin, replace the pigtail.
🔧 Part
$15–$70
👨🔧 Labor
$80–$180
⚡ DIY
Medium
🚗 Most Affected Vehicles
🛈 Is It Safe to Drive with P0713?
P0713 generally lets the trans default to a "cold" assumption, blocking torque converter lockup and softening shifts. You can drive home or to a shop, but expect worse fuel economy and harsh engagement. The underlying cause is often a connector wet with ATF - that's a sign of a leaking case bushing or worn seal that should be addressed soon.
🔧 Step-by-Step Diagnosis
- Read TFT live data cold - Look at TFT on a scan tool. If it shows full-low (e.g. -40°F or "open"), you've confirmed an open circuit.
- Inspect case connector - Locate the trans case pass-through connector. Unplug and look for ATF inside, pushed-out pins, or green corrosion.
- Jumper test the sensor pins - With the connector unplugged from the sensor, jumper signal-to-ground at the harness side. Live data should swing to "hot." If it does, sensor is bad. If not, the wire is broken upstream.
- Resistance test the sensor - Ohm across the TFT terminals: 1–3 kΩ cold is normal, infinite resistance means a failed-open thermistor.
- Repair connector or replace sensor - Address the actual fault: clean and re-tension pins, replace the pigtail, or pull the pan and replace the TFT/solenoid pack.
📍 Find a Trusted Shop Near You
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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 TFT / sensor work