P0713: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - the transmission will shift conservatively.
Symptoms
- Firm or delayed shifts
- Torque converter not locking
- Transmission staying in a lower gear
Likely causes, most common first
- Temperature sensor circuit open
- Broken wire in the internal harness
- Connector unplugged or corroded
- Failed sensor
Read P0713 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
P0713 is the open-circuit version: the signal reads impossibly cold, so the computer assumes freezing fluid and behaves accordingly. On many vehicles that means no torque converter lock-up at all, which is immediately visible as higher engine speed at motorway cruise and worse fuel economy.
If this code appeared right after transmission work, the case connector or an internal plug is the first suspect. These connectors are easy to leave partly seated during reassembly, and the symptom appears the moment the fluid warms up.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0713
“Suddenly car stats jerking while changing gears and engine shakes badly. Additionally, check engine light came on and when diagnosed showed a code p0713 for bed transmission temperature sensor. *tr”2013 Hyundai Sonata · Jun 2020 · 113,200 mi
“This and other models of kia/hyundai have a very common issue with auto trans a4cf1/2 electrica harness that fails prematurely and frequently, including temp sensor intergrated into it. Car now has 94k and code p0713 for the temp sensor failure and recently p0765 for selonoid d, which is all related to wire harness inside trans. Temp sensor fails, and solder connections become loose and irretic shifting, check engine lights and all sorts of trans problems start. I wouldn't be surprised upon owners taking cars to dealer or trans shop, they are told their transmissions are no good.”2010 Kia Soul · Oct 2018 · 94,000 mi
“The sorento lurches at slower speeds and engine light comes on. It appears as if the transmission is slipping. At higher speeds it does not occur. The code from the engine light analysis is p0713 (transmission fluid temperature sensor). Kia forum shows a number of people have similar complaints.”2011 Kia Sorento · Sep 2015 · 65,000 mi
Cars that report P0713 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0713?
Yes with care - the transmission will shift conservatively.
How much does it cost to fix P0713?
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 P0713. 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.