P0720 Transmission output shaft speed sensor circuit fault

Output speed sensor circuit

P0720 in short

P0720 means the transmission computer is not getting a usable signal from the output shaft speed sensor. On many vehicles the sensor or its built-in wiring is at fault, but some makers fix it with software or a valve body. Have it inspected soon, and check for a recall or bulletin first.

The output speed sensor reads how fast the transmission output shaft turns. The computer compares it with engine and input speed to pick gears, time shifts and work out the gear ratio. When the signal is missing, erratic or out of range, it sets P0720.

Without that signal the transmission may shift late, shift harshly or drop into a backup mode. Ford found that on 2011–2013 F-150s an intermittent loss of this signal could make the truck downshift into first gear at speed, and recalled them for a software update. Ford also extended coverage on the 6R80 internal wiring frame that carries the sensor.

Other makers point elsewhere. Infiniti tells technicians to replace the control valve rather than the sensor on some Q50s, and Ford has a bulletin for some 2015–2016 Mustangs. A VIN check for recalls and bulletins is the cheapest first step.

Most likely causes

  1. Output speed sensor or internal wiring frame failure (2011–2013 F-150, 6R80)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford ties P0720, P0722, P0731 and P1500 on these trucks to output speed sensor failure in the molded leadframe and extended its coverage.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2011–2013 F-150 or 2012–2013 Expedition or Navigator, especially with P0722 or P0731 stored too.

  2. Faulty output speed sensor, connector or wiring

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Speed sensors and their wiring are external inputs the computer checks, and a failed sensor causes the late, sudden or missing shifts that go with this code.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor reading drops out on a scan tool while the speedometer still works, or wiring damage is found.

  3. Control valve assembly with built-in sensor (2014–2015 Infiniti Q50)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Infiniti says that if diagnosis leads to the output speed sensor on these cars, the control valve should be replaced instead of the sensor.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2014–2015 Q50 with harsh shifting or lack of power.

  4. Powertrain computer software (2011–2013 F-150 recall)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford fixed the downshift risk from a lost output speed signal with a powertrain computer reprogram under recall.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2011–2013 F-150 whose recall work has not been done.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  5. CVT control valve (2010 Sentra without ABS)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan lists P0720 on 2010 Sentras without ABS alongside the step motor code, and replaces the control valve and reprograms the transmission computer.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2010 Sentra with slow acceleration from a stop.

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 open recalls and P0720 bulletins for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop watch the output speed reading on a scan tool while driving, then check the sensor connector and wiring.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data

    Warning:Shop test. Watching live data while driving needs a second person or a road-test setup, and wiring checks follow the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, sometimes with a wrench light on Fords
  • Late, harsh or missing upshifts
  • Lack of power on some Infiniti Q50s
  • Sudden downshift into a low gear at speed Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Transmission stuck in one gear or reduced power (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 recall or P0720 bulletin. Ford, Infiniti and Nissan have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the transmission computer for P0720 unless a test points to it. Ford's recall fix is a software update, and other fixes are the sensor, its wiring frame or the valve body.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2011–2013 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford recalled these trucks (19V-075) because an intermittent loss of the output speed sensor signal could cause a sudden downshift into first gear; the fix is a powertrain computer update. Ford 19N01 also extends coverage on the 6R80 wiring frame for output speed sensor failure with P0720, P0722, P0731 and/or P1500. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the 6R80 transmission, on the molded leadframe

  • 2012–2013 · Expedition

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford 19N01 extends coverage on the 6R80 wiring frame for output speed sensor failure with P0720, P0722, P0731 and/or P1500. The Lincoln Navigator is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2015–2016 · Mustang · 5.2L

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 16-0085 covers an intermittent MIL with P0720 and P0722 on cars built on or before 26 February 2016. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 19N01-S3Status unverified

    6R80 molded leadframe extended coverage: output speed sensor failure

    2011–2013f-150, expedition · issued · NHTSA 10183669

    An output speed sensor failure can light the MIL and/or wrench light with P0720, P0722, P0731 and/or P1500. Covers 2011–2013 F-150 and 2012–2013 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. 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.

  • TSB-16-0085Status unverified

    Intermittent MIL with P0720 and P0722

    2015–2016mustang · 5.2L · issued · NHTSA 10078972

    Some 2015–2016 Mustangs with the 5.2L engine built on or before 26 February 2016 may show an intermittent MIL with P0720 and P0722. 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.

  • 07311Status unverified

    6F50 transaxles built before 1/1/07: P0715, P0717, P0718, P0720

    2007–2008edge, taurus, taurus-x · issued · NHTSA 10021280

    Covers speed sensor codes and harsh engagement, no upshift or fifth gear only on early 6F50 transaxles. Lincoln MKX is also listed. 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.

Infiniti

  • 2014–2015 · Q50

    Supported by vehicle data

    Infiniti ITB19-040 says that if P0720 diagnosis leads to the output speed sensor, replace the control valve instead. The car may also shift harshly or lack power. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • ITB19-040Status unverified

    MIL with P0720, possible harsh shifting or lack of power

    2014–2015q50 · issued · NHTSA 10168892

    If diagnosis of P0720 leads to output speed sensor replacement on the RE7R01A transmission, replace the control valve instead of the sensor. 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.

Nissan

  • 2010 · Sentra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB10-150A lists P0720 on Sentras without ABS, with slow acceleration from a stop; the fix is a new CVT control valve and a transmission computer reprogram. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB10-150AStatus unverified

    Slower acceleration from a stop with P1778 and/or P0720

    2010sentra, altima, rogue · issued · NHTSA 10192259

    P0720 applies to Sentras without ABS. Replace the transmission control valve and reprogram 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.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0720. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0720 can be that code, so fix P0720 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0722No signal from the transmission output shaft speed sensor

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P0722 is the no-signal version of the same sensor fault, and Ford lists both for the same F-150 sensor failure.

  • P0731Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in first gear

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    A bad output speed signal can make first gear look like the wrong ratio. Ford lists P0731 with P0720 for the same F-150 sensor failure.

  • P0717No signal from the transmission input or turbine speed sensor

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0717 is the matching fault on the input or turbine speed sensor. Some Ford 6F50 bulletins list both.

  • P1778Manufacturer-specific code. On Nissan CVTs: step motor function, the actual pulley ratio not following the step motor command

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    On 2010 Nissan CVTs, Nissan lists P0720 with the step motor code P1778 and fixes both with a new control valve.

All Transmission codes

P0720 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0720?

Have it inspected soon. On 2011–2013 F-150s Ford recalled the trucks because a lost output speed signal could cause a sudden downshift to first gear, so if the truck lurches into a low gear at speed, pull over and get it checked before driving on.

Is the speed sensor always the problem?

No. Ford fixed the F-150 recall with software, and Infiniti tells technicians to replace the control valve rather than the sensor on some Q50s. Check for a bulletin before buying a sensor.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. NHTSA recall 19V-075 (Ford 19S07): 2011–2013 F-150 may unexpectedly downshift into first gear — VehicleSafetyRecalls.com (NHTSA recall data) ,
  3. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  4. Ford issues recall for 2011–2013 F-150 vehicles (press release) — Ford Motor Company via Vehicle Service Pros ,
  5. Ford 19N01: 6R80 transmission molded leadframe extended coverage — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  6. Tranny Problems: On the Outside Looking In — MOTOR Magazine ,
  7. Infiniti ITB19-040: 2014–2015 Q50 MIL with P0720 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  8. Nissan NTB10-150 / NTB10-150A: slower acceleration from a stop, P1778 and/or P0720 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  9. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  10. Ford TSB 16-0085: 2015–2016 Mustang 5.2L intermittent MIL with P0720 and P0722 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  11. Ford 07311: 6F50 transaxles built before 1/1/07 with P0715, P0717, P0718, P0720 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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