P0711: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes, but harsh or delayed shifts are likely until it is fixed.
Symptoms
- Harsh or delayed shifts
- Torque converter not locking up
- Reduced fuel economy
Likely causes, most common first
- Fluid temperature sensor drifting
- Transmission fluid degraded or low
- Wiring fault inside the transmission harness
- Cooler or thermostat problem keeping fluid at the wrong temperature
Read P0711 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0711 says the transmission fluid temperature reading is inside its range but behaves oddly - warming too slowly, sitting at an implausible value, or disagreeing with coolant temperature after a long soak. Shift firmness and torque converter lock-up are both temperature-dependent, so the computer becomes cautious when this reading cannot be trusted.
On most automatics this sensor is inside the transmission, part of the internal wiring harness, so replacing it means dropping the pan. That makes it worth combining with the fluid and filter service the transmission probably needs anyway.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0711
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly locked up. The engine was previously replaced in March at an undisclosed location. The engine light was illuminated. While using the code reader, he received the P0711 code related to the temperature sensor in the transmission. The contact indicated the failure was due to the temperature wiring harness. The vehicle was shifting hard. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB 19-AT-015H. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.”2013 Hyundai Sonata · Mar 2025 · 82,000 mi
“I've been having transmission issues which cause harder shifting than usual. upon research, I found that the 2016 GMC Sierra's have a special coverage that replaced the transmission harness which throws the code P0711 for the temperature sensor and P0700 which is the generic transmission code. The only difference between my VIN and the VINs covered under this special coverage is that my Sierra is a 2015, everything else is the same down to the part number of the known faulty transmission harness.”2015 GMC Sierra 1500 · Oct 2024
“The 2016 GMC have an open recall for the Transmission Temp Sensor. It is throwing the code P0711 and P0700. For some unknown reason, my VIN is not qualifying for the recall.”2016 GMC Sierra 1500 · Oct 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“P0711 and P0700 code indicates a "transmission 8L90 temperature switch failure" requiring a transmission wiring harness replacement on my vehicle equipped with an 8 cylinder, 5.3L gas engine. Reference N192291660 special coverage transmission wiring harness, which only applies to vehicles equipped with 8 cylinder, 6.2L gas engine. Based on my research, this is a common problem on vehicles equipped with 8 cylinder, 5.3L gas engines and the TSB should be modified to include them as well. Respectfully...GM needs to acknowledge this problem and be held responsible for repairs on transmission 8L90 temperature switch failures for 8 cylinder, 5.3L gas engine.”2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Oct 2024
“Code P0711 appeared during a scan after noticing some roughness during acceleration. Code shows transmission temperature sensor failure which is a known issue and recall for this vehicle model.”2016 GMC Yukon XL · May 2024
“2017 Yukon Denali manufactured in 2016. It requires the exact same repairs as the 2016 service bulletin N192291660. My Transmission wiring Harness must be replaced including the gasket and filter. The Global Safety Feild Investigation DCS5461 only included 2016 and not car manufactured in 2016 and labeled as 2017. I have the exact same error codes p0711. The Global Safety Field Investigation was issued in July 29, 2020.”2017 GMC Yukon · Nov 2022
“transmission shudder after dealer repair of transmission temperature sensor DTC P0711 returned car to dealer and they flushed transmission but shudder still exists shudder at part throttle settings when depressing throttle”2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jul 2021
“I have had a oil temperature sensor P0711 go out twice on my vehicle. The first time back in 2018 and had it replaced. And now again just this month. This has got to be something wrong to keep this not working and keeping the transaxle oil temperature normal on long rides. I would greatly appreciate if this could be fixed this time at no cost to me. This needs to be a recall.”2011 Kia Sorento · Jul 2021
“About 500 miles past the original powertrain warranty of 60,000 miles, the transmission fluid temperature sensor failed. I know this because an engine light came on displaying p0700 and p0711 and the gauge on the dash is erratic. I did research, and the transmission for these vehicles model gear 2015 and 2016 have several issues including this one as outlined in special coverage n192291660 which extends the coverage for this issue to 120,000 miles. If gmc has the same issue with the previous year transmissions and knows about it enough to issue a special coverage, they should do the same for the 2017 models.”2017 GMC Yukon XL · Apr 2021 · 60,500 mi
“The check engine light came on. We had someone get the code which is p0711. Why is there not a recall for the transmission temp sensor if this problem continues to happen to many many people. This is going to cost me $500-1000. This should be hyundai's bill to pay.”2011 Hyundai Elantra · Aug 2019 · 59,000 mi
Cars that report P0711 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0711?
Yes, but harsh or delayed shifts are likely until it is fixed.
How much does it cost to fix P0711?
Typical US repair costs range from $200 for the simplest fix (transmission fluid and filter service) to $1,000 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0711. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.