P0711 Transmission fluid temperature reading does not make sense

Transmission fluid temperature sensor A range/performance

P0711 in short

P0711 means the transmission fluid temperature reading is outside what the computer expects, such as not warming up or jumping around. Bulletins point to the sensor itself on some Kias and to software on some Ford, Subaru and Jeep models. Have it inspected soon, since shift quality depends on this reading.

The transmission computer uses fluid temperature to adjust shift timing, line pressure and torque converter lock-up. P0711 means the reading is in range electrically but does not behave as expected, for example it stays cold after a long drive.

Kia replaces the transaxle oil temperature sensor on some 6-speed automatics. Ford updates the transmission computer on 2017 F-150s with the 10R80 that have harsh or delayed shifts, Subaru updates the Ascent for false P0711 in cold weather, and Jeep has a Cherokee shift quality update.

A software check by VIN is cheap. If none applies, a shop compares the reading with engine temperature and the real fluid temperature.

Most likely causes

  1. Transmission computer software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford, Subaru and Jeep address P0711 on some models with a transmission computer update; Subaru says its update is for cases detected in low ambient temperatures.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered 2017 F-150, 2019–2023 Ascent or 2014 Cherokee that has not had the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  2. Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Kia replaces the transaxle oil temperature sensor on 6-speed automatics with P0711, P0712 or P0713.
    What would change this
    Rises if the reading stays fixed or jumps while the transmission warms up.

  3. Sensor wiring or connector

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The sensor is a monitored input, so a poor connection can make its reading implausible.
    What would change this
    Rises if the reading changes when the harness is moved.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note every code, not just this one.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for a P0711 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop compare the fluid temperature reading with engine coolant temperature from a cold start through a full warm-up, and check the sensor wiring.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data and output controls

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, often with pressure gauges, and needs the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Harsh or delayed shifts Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Code appears mainly in cold weather on some models

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0711 bulletin or software update. Ford, Subaru, Jeep and Kia have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0711. Ford, Subaru and Jeep fix it with software on the existing module.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2017 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB18-2079 covers harsh or delayed shifts with P0711 on 10R80 trucks built on or before 1 August 2017. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • TSB18-2079Status unverified

    Harsh or delayed shifts and/or MIL with P0711, 10R80

    2017f-150 · issued · NHTSA 10137068

    Covers 2017 F-150 and Raptor with the 10R80 built on or before 1 August 2017, with P0711 stored in the transmission computer. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Subaru

  • 2019–2023 · Ascent

    Supported by vehicle data

    Subaru 16-141-23R updates the transmission computer for P0711 detected in low ambient temperatures. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 16-141-23RStatus unverified

    Transmission computer reprogramming for P0711

    2019–2023ascent · issued · NHTSA 10240116

    New software addresses P0711 being detected during low ambient temperatures. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Jeep

  • 2014 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA 21-051-15 updates the transmission computer for shift quality, with P0711 among the listed codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 21-051-15Status unverified

    Improved transmission shift quality software

    2014cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10148983

    Reprograms the transmission computer; P0711 is among the listed codes. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0711. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0711 can be that code, so fix P0711 and P0700 goes with it.

All Transmission codes

P0711 questions

What does the transmission temperature sensor do?

It tells the transmission computer how warm the fluid is, so it can adjust shifts, pressure and converter lock-up. A bad reading can make shifts harsh or late.

Is it safe to drive with P0711?

Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light is on for the transmission.

Why does P0711 show up in winter?

On some models the computer misjudges how fast the fluid should warm in very cold weather. Subaru has a software update for that on the Ascent.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  3. Ford TSB 18-2079: Harsh or delayed shifts and/or MIL with P0711, 2017 F-150 10R80 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  4. Subaru 16-141-23R: TCM reprogramming for P0711 at low ambient temperature, Ascent — Subaru of America / NHTSA ,
  5. FCA 21-051-15: Improved transmission shift quality flash, 2014 Cherokee — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  6. Kia TRA043R2: 6-speed automatic transaxle oil temperature sensor, P0711 / P0712 / P0713 — Kia Motors America / NHTSA ,
  7. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  8. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.