Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
What it means
The computer has seen the transmission fluid temperature sensor signal voltage above the allowed limit. On most designs this shows as a false, very low temperature. The common cause is an open circuit such as an unplugged connector, a broken wire or a failed sensor.
Related lights
Dashboard lights that may come on with this code.
Symptoms4
- Check engine light on.
- Scan tool shows a very low fluid temperature even after a long drive.
- Delayed or harsh shifts because the computer treats the fluid as cold.
- Torque converter clutch not locking, slightly raising fuel consumption.
Possible causes5
- Loose, unplugged or corroded transmission connector.
- Open circuit in the sensor signal or ground wire.
- Open circuit inside the sensor.
- Damaged internal transmission harness.
- A fault in the transmission control module (rare).
How to diagnose5
- Watch fluid temperature after warming up the car; if it stays at the lowest value, the circuit is likely open.
- Check that the transmission connector is fully seated and its pins are in good condition.
- Measure sensor resistance at the connector; an infinite reading means an open in the sensor or internal harness.
- Check wiring continuity between the transmission connector and the module.
- Gently move the wiring while watching the reading to find any break.
How to fix5
- Reseat the connector and clean the pins, or replace it.
- Repair the broken wire or poor ground.
- Replace the fluid temperature sensor or the internal harness that carries it.
- Refill the transmission fluid to the correct level after any pan removal.
- Clear the codes and confirm the temperature reading rises gradually while driving.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 100–700 (≈ USD 27–187)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
The cost is low for reseating a connector or repairing a wire, and higher when an internal sensor or internal harness is replaced.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Why are the shifts delayed with this code?
Because the computer thinks the fluid is cold, so it delays shifts and blocks converter lockup as it normally does with a cold transmission.
Is this code dangerous?
Not immediately, but the computer cannot see the real temperature and so cannot protect the transmission if it overheats, so repair it soon.
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