P0723 Output shaft speed sensor signal drops in and out

Output shaft speed sensor circuit intermittent

P0723 in short

P0723 means the output shaft speed sensor signal is intermittent. The transmission computer uses it for shift timing and speedometer data. Damaged wiring or connectors are the most common cause, followed by the sensor itself. TroubleCodes.net advises against driving until repaired, so get it checked soon.

The output shaft speed sensor tells the transmission computer how fast the transmission output is turning, which it uses to time shifts and check the transmission is working. P0723 sets when that signal comes and goes or is erratic.

TroubleCodes.net says damaged, burnt, shorted or corroded wiring and connectors are the most common cause, followed by a defective speed sensor. It suggests wiggling the harness and connector to see the readings change. GM has a bulletin for 6T70/6T75 transmissions that lists P0723 among codes and says to diagnose and replace the speed sensor, and a 2017 Malibu bulletin that says to follow service information first and replace the related speed sensor only if that does not isolate the fault.

NHTSA complaints on a 2010 F-150, 2011 Cruze and 2005 Sable describe P0723 alongside sudden downshifts, loss of power or transmission rebuilds. These are owner reports and do not prove P0723 caused them.

Most likely causes

  1. Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connectors at the sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net calls this the most common cause and says intermittent faults need patience with a wiggle test.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiggling the harness or connector changes the speed reading. Falls if wiring and connectors are sound.

  2. Failing output shaft (or input shaft) speed sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the sensor, GM bulletin 07-07-30-019 says to diagnose and replace the speed sensor on 6T70/6T75 transmissions, and PIP5473 says to replace it if service diagnostics do not isolate a fault.
    What would change this
    Rises if the signal is erratic with a good harness. Falls if the signal is steady on a road test.

  3. Fluid temperature sensor failure in an integrated design

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a transmission fluid temperature sensor failure on designs where it shares the part.
    What would change this
    Rises if temperature codes (P0711 to P0714) are also stored. Falls if no temperature codes are present.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all stored codes and watch output shaft speed and vehicle speed on a scan tool during a road test, noting dropouts.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with transmission live data

    • IfOutput speed drops out while vehicle speed is steady

      It meansThe sensor circuit is intermittent. Check wiring.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0711 to P0714 or P0721 and P0722 are also stored

      It meansTreat related speed and temperature faults together.

      Go to step 2

    • IfSignal looks normal

      It meansThe fault may be intermittent. Check connectors.

      Go to step 2

  2. With the engine off, check the sensor connector and harness for corrosion, damage or looseness, then wiggle them with the ignition on while watching the speed reading.

    Use cautionTool: multimeter and scan tool

    Warning:Sensor locations vary and are often under the vehicle near the transmission, which can be hot. Use jack stands, let the transmission cool and keep hands clear of moving parts. TroubleCodes.net recommends professional help on some vehicles.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Speedometer works intermittently or not at all
  • Delayed, missed or harsh shifts
  • Limp mode, surging or hesitation Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Sudden downshift or loss of power in complaints Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. With the engine off, check that the speed sensor connector is fully seated and the wiring is not rubbed or corroded.

  2. Ask a dealer whether a bulletin applies to your VIN for P0723.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Replace the sensor only after wiring checks pass. Labour varies; get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2017 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5473 lists P0723 with P0721, P0722, P0716 and P0717 and says to follow service information first, then replace the speed sensor tied to the code if it does not isolate a cause. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2011 · Cruze

    Possible — needs testing

    An NHTSA complaint on a 2011 Cruze reports P0723 (speed sensor) after a loss of power at 70 mph; the transmission later failed. Owner report only.

  • PIP5473Status unverified

    Speed sensor codes P0721 to P0723 and P0716, P0717 on the Malibu

    2017malibu · issued · NHTSA 10113422

    Follow service information diagnostics first; if they do not isolate a cause, replace the speed sensor tied to the DTC.

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

GMC

  • 2007 · Acadia

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 07-07-30-019 lists P0723 for 6T70/6T75 transmissions and says to diagnose and replace the speed sensor. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 070730019 (gmc)Status unverified

    6T70/6T75: speed sensor diagnosis and replacement

    2007acadia · issued · NHTSA 10022704

    Lists P0716, P0717, P0722, P0723 and others for 6T70/6T75 transmissions with check engine light and poor performance; diagnose and replace the speed sensor.

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

Ford

  • 2010 · F-150

    Possible — needs testing

    An NHTSA complaint on a 2010 F-150 reports P0723 after a sudden downshift to first gear at about 75 mph with the rear wheels locking up. Owner report only; no cause was confirmed.

Mercury

  • 2005 · Sable

    Possible — needs testing

    An NHTSA complaint on a 2005 Sable reports P0723 and P0733 with high rpm and no hard shifting; the transmission was rebuilt. Owner report only.

  • P0722No signal from the transmission output shaft speed sensor

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 07-07-30-019 lists P0722 (no signal) with P0723 for output speed sensor faults.

  • P0721Transmission output shaft speed sensor signal out of its expected range

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5473 lists P0721 (range/performance) with P0723.

  • P0717No signal from the transmission input or turbine speed sensor

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list P0716 and P0717 (turbine speed sensor) with P0723 on the same transmissions.

All Transmission codes

P0723 questions

What does P0723 mean?

The output shaft speed sensor signal is intermittent. It comes and goes or is erratic.

Can I drive with P0723?

TroubleCodes.net says not to drive until it is repaired because of possible transmission damage. Get it checked soon.

Do I need a new speed sensor?

Check the wiring and connectors first. They are the most common cause; replace the sensor only if they test good.

Sources and review

  1. P0723 - Output shaft speed sensor - circuit intermittent — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NHTSA complaint 11644456: 2010 Ford F-150 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. GM bulletin 07-07-30-019 (NHTSA 10022704) — General Motors ,
  4. GM PIP5473 (NHTSA 10113422) — General Motors ,
  5. NHTSA complaint 10993393: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. NHTSA complaint 10994286: 2005 Mercury Sable — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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