P0716 Input or turbine speed sensor signal out of range

Input speed sensor range/performance

P0716 in short

P0716 means the transmission computer is getting an input (turbine) speed signal that does not make sense compared with other speeds. A faulty sensor or wiring is common, but Honda, Acura and GM bulletins also point to software and internal clutch faults. Expect harsh shifts or limp mode; have it inspected soon.

The input or turbine speed sensor tells the transmission computer how fast the shaft coming from the torque converter is turning. The computer compares it with engine and output speed to choose shifts and check for slipping. P0716 sets when the signal is present but implausible, for example erratic or out of step with the other speeds.

Speed sensor faults can cause late or harsh shifts, sudden downshifts or no upshift, and some cars go into limp-home mode. The cause is not always the sensor: Honda and Acura fixed P0716 on several 9-speed models with TCM software, and GM linked it to 3-5-reverse clutch wear on some 2016 models.

Have the codes read before anything is cleared and check for a bulletin on your vehicle before replacing the sensor.

Most likely causes

  1. Faulty input or turbine speed sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The sensor is the source of the signal, and Ford and GM bulletins replace it for P0716 on several transmissions.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor signal drops out or is noisy on a scan tool while the other speeds look normal.

  2. Speed sensor wiring or connector fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The sensor circuit is a monitored input, and a GM bulletin has technicians check the sensor circuit at the inline connector before replacing parts.
    What would change this
    Rises if the circuit fails a continuity check or the code comes and goes with movement of the harness.

  3. Transmission computer software (Honda and Acura 9-speed)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda and Acura bulletins say a TCM software miscalculation on downshifts from 9th or 8th sets P0716 on some 2015–2019 models.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Pilot, MDX, TLX, Odyssey or Passport without the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  4. Internal clutch or thrust washer damage (some GM and Ram)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM replaces 3-5-reverse clutch plates on some 2016 models with no reverse, no third and P0716, and Ram lists P0716 with a failed thrust washer on 2024 heavy-duty trucks.
    What would change this
    Rises if there is also no reverse, no third gear, gear ratio codes or debris in the fluid.

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.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for a P0716 bulletin for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop watch input, output and engine speed on a scan tool during a drive and check the sensor circuit.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with live transmission data

    Warning:Shop test. It needs the maker's wiring diagram and test procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, sometimes with no other symptom
  • Harsh or jerky upshifts
  • Late shifts, no upshift or a sudden downshift
  • Transmission indicator flashing "D" on some Hondas Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Transmission stuck in one gear (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

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 P0716 bulletin. Honda, Acura, Ford, GM and Ram have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the transmission computer for P0716 unless a bulletin or a shop test points to it. On Honda and Acura 9-speeds the fix is a software update, not a new module.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2016–2017 · Pilot

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A19-004 says a TCM software miscalculation on downshifts from 9th or 8th sets P0716; Acura B19-003 covers the 2015–2018 MDX and TLX the same way. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2018–2019 · Odyssey

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A19-124 covers harsh or jerky upshifts or the MIL with P0716; a later version adds the Passport and Pilot. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • A19-124Status unverified

    Harsh or jerky upshifts or MIL with P0716

    2018–2019odyssey, passport, pilot · issued · NHTSA 10169956

    Intermittent harsh or jerky upshifts with steady acceleration, or the MIL on with P0716. The Passport and Pilot were added in a 2020 version (NHTSA 10172006). Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • B19-003Status unverified

    MIL with P0716 after a 9th or 8th to 7th downshift

    2015–2018mdx, tlx · issued · NHTSA 10161313

    A TCM software miscalculation during downshifts from 9th or 8th to 7th or lower sets P0716. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • A19-004Status unverified

    MIL with P0716 after a 9th or 8th to 7th downshift

    2016–2017pilot · issued · NHTSA 10161287

    Same TCM software miscalculation as the Acura bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

Ford

  • 2020 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford points P0716 on the 10R140 to the turbine shaft speed sensor and replaces it on trucks built on or before 21 September 2020. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • SSM 48958Status unverified

    10R140: P0715–P0718, focus on the turbine shaft speed sensor

    2020f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550 · issued · NHTSA 10177119

    With these codes, focus diagnosis on the turbine shaft speed sensor and its circuits. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • TSB 20-2393Status unverified

    Lack of power with P0715, P0716, P0717 or P07C0

    2020f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550 · issued · NHTSA 10183419

    On 10R140 trucks built on or before 21 September 2020, replace the turbine shaft speed sensor. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

GMC

  • 2016 · Acadia

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM 16-NA-013 replaces the 3-5-reverse clutch plates for no reverse, no third and P0716 or P0717 on several 2016 models. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 16-NA-013Status unverified

    No reverse, no third, P0716/P0717

    2016acadia, terrain · issued · NHTSA 10112280

    Replace the 3-5-reverse clutch plates. Also lists the 2016 Enclave, Equinox, Impala, LaCrosse, Regal, SRX, Traverse and XTS. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

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

  • PIP5084AStatus unverified

    Harsh shift or MIL with P0716 or P0717

    2013sierra · issued · NHTSA 10112742

    Check circuit 1984 at the inline connector to decide whether to replace the input speed sensor alone or with the TCM. Also lists the Silverado, Express and Savana. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, 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: P0716. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0716 can be that code, so fix P0716 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0717No signal from the transmission input or turbine speed sensor

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0717 means no signal at all from the same input speed sensor, rather than an implausible one. GM and Ford bulletins list both codes together.

  • P0720Transmission output shaft speed sensor circuit fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0720 is the matching code for the output speed sensor. The computer compares both speeds, so a fault in either can upset shifting.

All Transmission codes

P0716 questions

Is P0716 always a bad speed sensor?

No. The sensor and its wiring are common causes, but Honda and Acura fixed P0716 on some 9-speeds with software, and GM linked it to worn clutch plates on some 2016 models.

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. Honda owner's manual: Continuously Variable Transmission, shift lever position indicator (p. 166) — American Honda Motor Co. ,
  4. Tranny Problems: On the Outside Looking In — MOTOR Magazine ,
  5. Ford TSB 20-2393: Lack of power with P0715, P0716, P0717 or P07C0 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  6. GM 070730019: 6T70/6T75: check engine light, poor performance, speed sensor codes — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. GM PIP5084A: Harsh shift or MIL with P0716 or P0717 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. Acura B19-003: MIL with P0716 after a 9th or 8th to 7th downshift — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  9. Honda A19-004: MIL with P0716 after a 9th or 8th to 7th downshift — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  10. Honda A19-124: Harsh or jerky upshifts or MIL with P0716 — American Honda / NHTSA ,
  11. GM 16-NA-013: Replace 3-5-reverse clutch plates: no reverse, no third, P0716/P0717 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  12. Ram 21-054-24: Rear selective thrust washer failure — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  13. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  14. Ford SSM 48958: 10R140: P0715–P0718, focus on the turbine shaft speed sensor — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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