P0715: Input/turbine speed sensor circuit malfunction
The automatic gearbox gets no valid signal from its input (turbine) speed sensor, which measures how fast the shaft coming from the engine turns. It may shift harshly or go into limp mode.
Updated
What P0715 means
An automatic gearbox measures two speeds: the input (turbine) shaft, driven by the engine through the torque converter, and the output shaft, which drives the wheels. From the two it chooses its shift points, controls the torque converter clutch and checks for slip.
P0715 means the input speed sensor’s signal is missing or implausible. Without it, many gearboxes switch to limp mode.
P0716 to P0718, and P0720 to P0722 for the output sensor
P0716 to P0718 are the same input sensor: signal implausible, no signal, or now and then. P0720 to P0722 are the output speed sensor: a circuit fault, an implausible signal or no signal. On some cars the output sensor also feeds the speedometer.
P0716: Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
P0717: Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal
P0718: Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
P0720: Output speed sensor circuit malfunction
The automatic gearbox gets no valid signal from its output speed sensor, which measures how fast the shaft to the wheels turns. It may shift harshly or go into limp mode; on some cars the speedometer and cruise control are affected too.
Common causes: faulty output speed sensor, wiring or connector fault at the sensor, damaged trigger wheel on the output shaft.
P0721: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
The automatic gearbox gets no valid signal from its output speed sensor, which measures how fast the shaft to the wheels turns. It may shift harshly or go into limp mode; on some cars the speedometer and cruise control are affected too.
Common causes: faulty output speed sensor, wiring or connector fault at the sensor, damaged trigger wheel on the output shaft.
P0722: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
The automatic gearbox gets no valid signal from its output speed sensor, which measures how fast the shaft to the wheels turns. It may shift harshly or go into limp mode; on some cars the speedometer and cruise control are affected too.
Common causes: faulty output speed sensor, wiring or connector fault at the sensor, damaged trigger wheel on the output shaft.
Can I keep driving?
Drive gently
Drive gently and only as far as you need to, and have it checked soon. The gearbox may shift harshly or stay in one gear (limp mode), so avoid motorways and overtaking until it’s fixed. If it slips, won’t change gear or won’t drive, don’t force it: have it recovered.
General guidance based on the code alone, not on the car’s actual condition. If in doubt, stop and ask a mechanic.
Many gearboxes switch to limp mode with this fault, staying in one gear. Read My Car shows codes from the gearbox module next to the engine’s, where the car shares them over generic OBD2.
Symptoms
- Harsh, late or missing gear changes.
- The gearbox stays in one gear (limp mode).
- With an output sensor fault, on some cars the speedometer or cruise control stops working.
Common causes
- Faulty input speed sensor. Sensors can fail with heat and age, or give a weak signal.
- Wiring or connector fault at the sensor. The sensors sit on or in the gearbox case, where heat, oil and dirt reach the connectors.
- Metal debris on the sensor tip from wear inside the gearbox. Magnetic sensors collect fine metal particles. A lot of debris is also a sign of internal wear.
Typical fixes
- Read all codes, including any the gearbox module reports.
- Check the sensor’s plug and wiring.
- Have the sensor removed, cleaned and tested, and replaced if it’s faulty.
- If there’s a lot of metal on the tip, have the gearbox oil and the gearbox checked as the service information for your gearbox describes.
Questions
Can I drive with P0715?
Gently, and only as far as you need to, and have it checked soon. The gearbox may shift harshly or stay in one gear, so avoid motorways and overtaking. If it slips, won’t change gear or won’t drive, don’t force it: have it recovered.
What is the difference between P0715 and P0720?
P0715 is the input (turbine) speed sensor, which measures the shaft coming from the engine. P0720 is the output speed sensor, which measures the shaft to the wheels. The checks are much the same.