What is P0720 fault code and what does it mean? What is Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction (OSS)? How do I fix the P0720 fault code What are the causes and symptoms for the P0720 error code?
What is the P0720 Fault code? What does it all mean?
The built-in fault diagnostic system (OBD), detects and saves five character error codes for your vehicle to help you find the cause and effect of malfunctions. The code P0720 is generated when either the powertrain or transmission control modules detects a problem in the output shaftspeed sensor (OSS), or its circuit. This sensor is responsible to determine the vehicle’s speed in real time.
The powertrain control unit (PCM/ECM) receives data from multiple sensors. The speed sensor, also known as the transmission speed sensor, is one of these sensors located in your transmission. There are two types of these sensors in every vehicle. One is the output shaft speed sens (OSS) and one is the input shaft sensor speed sensor (ISS). The input shaft speed sensors measures the rotational speed the torque converter/input shaft. It senses the internal revolutions in the transmission and sends the data back to the PCM.
The output shaft speed sensors monitors the rotation speed for the transmission output shaft. The data from this sensor can be used to display precise and real-time distance and speed readings on the speedometer/odometer. To determine the best shifting strategy, the PCM uses the voltage signal from its output shaft speed sensor. This information is sent to the transmission. If it does not receive a signal or receives a slow, irregular, or stable signal, the PCM assigns fault code P0720.
This code is similar P0721,P0722 and P0723.
What Are the Possible Causes of P0720 Fault Code
- – Defective output shaft speed sensor
- – Defective input shaft speed sensor
- – Cables or connectors that are damaged or corroded
- – Low transmission or contaminated oil
- – Sensors for engine failure
- – Defective shift solenoids
- Defective temperature sensor for transmission oil
- – Defective PCM (rarely)
Note: The OSS sensor can also be damaged if the transmission fluid temperature sensor (TFT) is defective.
What are the symptoms for P0720 Malfunction Codes?
- – Illumination at the check engine lights
- – Delayed shifting
- – Defective speed (km) indicator
- Engine misfire
- – Increased fuel consumption
How do I fix the P0720 fault code?
- – Replacing speed sensor output shaft
- – Replacing input shaft speed sensor
- – Replacing damaged cables and connectors
- – Draining the transmission fluid and refilling it
- – Replacing transmission fluid temperature sensor
- – Replacing your transmission filter
- – Repair of transmission leaks
- – Replacing your PCM
Technicians should examine the damage to the output velocity sensor, or any other components, after replacing the faulty parts. A sensor that fails because of an engine problem can be replaced, but the engine must also be repaired.
How serious is the P0720 Fault code?
A code P0720 doesn’t prevent a car being driven. If the fault is not addressed quickly, it can lead to transmission damage.
