P0720

TORQDEX // POWERTRAIN DTC

Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

A fault has been detected in the transmission output speed sensor circuit.

CODE FAMILY Powertrain
SEVERITY HIGH
DRIVEABILITY DRIVEABILITY MAY BE LIMITED
COMMON AREA Transmission Output Speed Sensor / Wiring

00 // CODE DEFINITION

What P0720 means

P0720 indicates that the transmission controller cannot reliably determine transmission output-shaft speed.

The output sensor, wiring, reluctor, internal transmission condition, or module may be responsible.

01 // COMMON SYMPTOMS

What you may notice

Incorrect shifting
Harsh shifting
Speedometer issues
Limp mode
Check-engine light

02 // COMMON CAUSES

What can trigger P0720?

SENSOR

Output speed sensor fault

The sensor may fail or produce an intermittent signal.

WIRING

Harness or connector problem

Damaged wiring or poor terminal contact may interrupt the signal.

RELUCTOR

Trigger-wheel problem

Damage or excessive clearance may affect sensor output.

03 // DRIVEABILITY

Can I keep driving with P0720?

SEVERITY HIGH
DRIVEABILITY MAY BE LIMITED

Driving may be limited by incorrect shifting or limp mode. Avoid extended driving if the transmission is slipping, shifting harshly, or unable to select the proper gear.

04 // DIAGNOSTIC ORDER

Start here

01

Review output-speed data

Verify that output speed changes logically with vehicle speed.

02

Inspect the circuit

Check wiring, terminals, and routing near the transmission.

03

Test the sensor signal

Evaluate resistance or waveform based on sensor design.

04

Compare related speed data

Compare output speed with vehicle speed and transmission input speed.

05 // COMMON REPAIR AREAS

Systems commonly involved

These are common areas associated with P0720. Testing should confirm the actual fault before parts are replaced.

SENSOR

Output speed sensor fault

The sensor may fail or produce an intermittent signal.

WIRING

Harness or connector problem

Damaged wiring or poor terminal contact may interrupt the signal.

RELUCTOR

Trigger-wheel problem

Damage or excessive clearance may affect sensor output.

06 // DIAGNOSTIC PRINCIPLE

Confirm the fault before replacing parts

P0720 identifies a condition detected by the vehicle control system. It does not automatically identify one failed component. Test the affected system before replacing parts.

07 // RELATED TORQDEX DIAGNOSTICS

Related diagnostic guides

Continue troubleshooting by symptom and system. These TorqDex guides cover common diagnostic paths associated with this trouble code.