P0712: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - expect firm shifts and no torque converter lock-up.
Symptoms
- Harsh shifting
- No overdrive or lock-up
- Reduced fuel economy
Likely causes, most common first
- Temperature sensor circuit shorted to ground
- Internal harness damage
- Connector at the transmission case corroded
- Failed sensor
Read P0712 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
P0712 means the fluid temperature circuit reads at the extreme corresponding to very hot fluid. The transmission responds by protecting itself: it may hold lower gears, refuse lock-up, or shift firmly to reduce clutch slip and heat.
The case connector is worth inspecting before the transmission is opened. Automatic transmission fluid that seeps into the connector wicks along the wires and causes exactly this kind of fault, and a repair at the connector is far cheaper than an internal harness.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Cars that report P0712 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0712?
Yes with care - expect firm shifts and no torque converter lock-up.
How much does it cost to fix P0712?
Typical US repair costs range from $100 for the simplest fix (internal wiring harness) 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 P0712. 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.