P0722 No signal from the transmission output shaft speed sensor

Output speed sensor no signal

P0722 in short

P0722 means the transmission computer sees no signal at all from the output shaft speed sensor. The sensor, its wiring or connector are the usual suspects, and some makers fix it with software. Have it inspected soon, and check for a recall or bulletin, especially on 2011–2013 F-150s.

The output speed sensor tells the transmission computer how fast the output shaft turns. P0722 sets when the computer expects pulses from it, because the vehicle is moving, but gets none.

Losing that signal can upset shift timing and may send the transmission into a backup mode. On 2011–2013 F-150s, Ford recalled the trucks because an intermittent loss of this signal could make them downshift into first at speed, and it extended coverage on the 6R80 wiring frame that carries the sensor.

Mazda changed the transmission computer logic for a P0722 at start-up on some 2012–2014 models, and Hyundai tells technicians not to replace the transmission for its speed sensor codes. Check for a bulletin before major parts are replaced.

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 P0722 with P0720, 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.

  2. Faulty output speed sensor, connector or wiring

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A dead sensor or an open circuit gives no signal at all, and speed sensor failures cause the late or sudden shifts that go with this code.
    What would change this
    Rises if the reading stays at zero on a scan tool while driving, or wiring damage is found.

  3. Transmission computer logic (2012–2014 Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda changed the transmission computer logic to stop P0722:00 setting with the A/T warning light at start-up.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Mazda when the light comes on right after starting.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  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)

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 P0722 bulletins for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop check the output speed reading on a scan tool while driving, then test 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 or A/T warning light
  • Late, harsh or missing upshifts
  • No reverse on some 2003 Cadillac CTS
  • 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 P0722 bulletin. Ford, Mazda, Hyundai and GM have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the transmission computer or the transmission for P0722 unless tests point there. Hyundai warns against replacing the transmission for this code, and Ford and Mazda fixes include software updates.

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

  • 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.

Mazda

  • 2012–2014 · Mazda3

    Supported by vehicle data

    Mazda 05-004-15-3034C revises the transmission computer logic for P0722:00 with the check engine and A/T warning lights at start-up. The Mazda6 and CX-5 are 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.

  • 05-004-15-3034CStatus unverified

    Check engine and A/T warning lights at start-up with P0722:00

    2012–2014mazda3, mazda6, cx-5 · issued · NHTSA 10105429

    The transmission computer logic was changed to stop P0722:00 (open circuit in the output speed sensor circuit) setting at start-up. 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.

Hyundai

  • 2010–2012

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai 12-AT-009-2 covers P0717, P0721 and P0722 on the Santa Fe, Sonata, Elantra, Azera, Accent and Tucson, and says not to replace the transmission for these codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 12-AT-009-2Status unverified

    Input and output speed sensor codes P0717, P0721 and P0722

    2010–2012santa-fe, sonata, elantra, azera, accent, tucson · issued · NHTSA 10044203

    Do not replace the transmission for these codes; follow the repair procedure and replace the related part. 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: P0722. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0722 can be that code, so fix P0722 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0720Transmission output shaft speed sensor circuit fault

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P0720 is the general circuit fault on the same sensor. Ford lists both for the same F-150 sensor failure and for some Mustangs.

  • P0731Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in first gear

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    A missing output speed signal can make first gear look like the wrong ratio. Ford lists P0731 with P0722 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 no-signal fault on the input speed sensor. Hyundai covers both in the same bulletins.

All Transmission codes

P0722 questions

What is the difference between P0720 and P0722?

Both point at the output shaft speed sensor. P0720 is a general circuit fault, while P0722 means the computer sees no signal at all. They often appear together and share the same checks.

Is my F-150 covered?

Possibly. Ford recalled 2011–2013 F-150s for a software update and extended coverage on the 6R80 wiring frame that carries the output speed sensor. A dealer can check your VIN.

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. Hyundai 12-AT-009-2: input and output speed sensor codes P0717, P0721, P0722 — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
  8. Mazda 05-004-15-3034C: check engine and A/T warning lights at start with P0722:00 — Mazda North American Operations / 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. Hyundai 03-40-022: automatic transaxle pulse generator codes P0717 and P0722 — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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