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P0720 - OBD Trouble Code

OBD Code P0720 - Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

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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

  1. Powertrain Control Module - Did your mechanic just found out that there is some fault in the Powertrain Control Module? Buy top notch Powertrain Control Module from us at economical prices.
  2. Turbocharger - A broken Turbocharger can cause a lot of issues. It would be nice if you get it replaced on time.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Engine Wiring Connectors - A faulty Engine Wiring Connectors can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best auto parts for our customers.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P0720

P0721 - Output Speed Sensor Range/Performance

P0722 - Output Speed Sensor No Signal

P0723 - Output Speed Sensor Intermittent

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