P0720 - OBD Trouble Code
OBD Code P0720 - Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
The
fault code P0720 can be defined as Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction. The
P0720 trouble code indicates that there is a fault in the output speed sensor
circuit.
Learn More About OBD Error Code P0720
It
is a standard OBD-II trouble code which shows that the output speed sensor
circuit is defective. The output speed sensor gives a signal to the powertrain
control module so that the right shift strategy is determined by it and then it
would transfer the information to the transmission. Now if the PCM would fail
to receive the information from the output speed sensor, then the P0720 fault
code would start appearing.
What causes this problem with
the Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction?
- Issue
of faulty or corroded wires, or loose connectors
- Transmission
fluid might be low or contaminated
- Defects
in the engine drivability sensors
- The
output speed sensor might not be functioning properly
- Defects
in the input speed sensor
- Some quirks in the shift solenoids
- The powertrain control module might be malfunctioning
Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P0720
- Powertrain Control
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- Turbocharger - A broken
Turbocharger can cause a lot of issues. It would be nice if you get it replaced
on time.
- Engine Control
Module - Everything is fine with the Turbocharger and still OBD code P0720
flashing? Then there is definitely some fault with the Engine Control Module.
Get it checked and replace if needed.
- Automatic
Transmission Sensor -
Automatic Transmission Sensor is an important
car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due
to which P0720 code may start flashing.
- Engine Wiring
Connectors
- A
faulty Engine Wiring
Connectors can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best
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- Oil Pressure Sender - If everything is alright with PCM, then there is surely some defect in Oil Pressure Sender. Get it replaced before the situation gets worse.
- EGR Valve Gasket - P0720 code can display due to some issues in the EGR Valve Gasket. So, it is very important to replace the EGR Valve Gasket with us at equitable prices.
Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P0720
Our
main motive is to achieve customer satisfaction as for us our customers are
everything and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0720 code by mentioning
some major symptoms below:
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle
might not shift properly
- Illumination in the check engine light
- Decrease in the overall fuel economy
How To Correct P0720 Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
If
you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps.
Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the
help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0720:
- Make
sure to replace the defective wires as well as connectors
- Carefully
drain and then refill the transmission fluid
- If
there are some faults in the output speed sensor, then it should be replaced
- Carefully
replace the input speed sensor
- The
malfunctioning powertrain control module should be replaced properly
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Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P0720
Here
are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:
- A
suitable scanner (or code reader), a digital volt/ohmmeter, and possibly an
oscilloscope will be helpful in performing a successful diagnosis.
- Most
OBD-II equipped automobiles utilize an output speed sensor to provide the PCM
with a transmission output speed signal.
- On
most models the sensor either threads directly into the transmission housing or
is mounted to the exterior of the transmission housing using bolts.
- The
sensor is of the electromagnetic design and uses a reluctor ring (or a
specialized set of splines) on the output shaft as reference points.
- As
the output shaft is turned (by the engine) the electromagnetic output speed
sensor uses the spaces between the splines to provide voltage signal
interruptions in the circuit.
- The
PCM receives these interruptions as square waveform patterns of varying degrees
of voltage and translated into transmission output speed.
- After
that the PCM will compare transmission output speed data with engine input
speed data to determine shift patterns, as well as certain engine drivability
functions. The typical output speed sensor uses a three-wire connector but
inspect the vehicle manufacturer’s wiring diagram to confirm the specific
design of the vehicle.
- The
first wire is a reference voltage signal (usually 5-volts), the second wire
will normally be a ground wire, and the signal wire would be the third wire.
- As
the reluctor ring passes by the electromagnetic sensor, the 5-volt reference
signal is completed with the protruding metal surfaces.
- The
recessed surfaces of the reluctor provide voltage interruptions and these
interruptions are input to the PCM via the signal wire.
- Begin
your diagnosis with a visual inspection of system wiring, connectors, and
components.
- Repair
or replace any open, shorted, damaged, or corroded items as required and retest
the system to make sure that repairs were successful.
- Pay
particular attention to wiring and connectors that have been contaminated due
to engine oil or transmission fluid leaks, burned on hot exhaust pipes, or
damaged due to road debris. If the system wiring, connectors, and components
appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner to the diagnostic
connector and record all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data.
- This
information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that
may have contributed to this code being stored.
- Now
once all the codes have been cleared, then you should operate the vehicle to
see if the code returns.
- If
the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition.
- Intermittent
conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases
may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made.
- If
the code immediately returns, then the reference voltage and ground signals at
the output speed sensor should be checked.
- If
either the reference voltage or ground circuits are open, use the digital
volt/ohmmeter to check for continuity (disconnect all related control modules
from the circuit before checking circuit resistance or controller damage may
occur) and resistance in both circuits.
- Repair
or replace system circuits/connectors as required and retest the system to
ensure that repairs were successful. Using the manufacturer’s wiring diagram
for the output speed sensor, test all related circuits and the sensor for
resistance and continuity and compare your findings with manufacturer’s
specifications.
- Repair
or replace system circuitry, connectors, and components that fail to coincide
with manufacturer’s specs.
- Always
retest the system to ensure a successful repair. If all system circuits are
intact, connect the oscilloscope and observe live transmission output speed
sensor data.
- Watch
for glitches or “soft spots” in the waveform pattern and repair or replace
system circuitry, connectors, or components as required. If all circuits
coincide with manufacturer’s specifications, and the waveform pattern is within
acceptable limits, suspect a defective PCM.
- You
must keep in mind that the failure in the PCM is rare and replacement will
require reprogramming.
Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0720 Code
- Most
of the people do not follow the correct trouble code diagnosis protocol, making
it a big mistake
- It is very important to follow the steps in correct order to make sure that the inspection and repair is both thorough as well as efficient
- If the trouble code diagnosis protocol would not be followed properly, then it would result in the replacement of the output speed sensor when the issue was with some other part