P0720 Output Shaft Speed ​​Sensor Circuit Malfunction

P0720 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Trouble code P0720 indicates a problem with the output shaft speed sensor.

What does the fault code mean P0720?

Trouble code P0720 indicates a problem with the transmission output speed sensor. This sensor is designed to measure the speed of rotation of the output shaft and transmit the corresponding information to the engine control module or automatic transmission control module. If for some reason the sensor is not transmitting the correct data or is not working at all, it can cause the P0720 code to appear.

Possible reasons

Some of the possible causes of the P0720 trouble code are:

1. Faulty output shaft speed sensor: The sensor itself may be damaged or faulty, preventing it from correctly measuring the output shaft speed.
2. Problems with the sensor electrical circuit: There may be an open, short, or other problem in the electrical circuit connecting the output speed sensor to the control module.
3. Incorrect sensor connection: If the sensor was not installed or connected correctly, this can also cause the P0720 code.
4. Output shaft problems: Damage or wear to the transmission output shaft can cause the speed sensor to read incorrectly.
5. Problems with the control module: Malfunctions or malfunctions in the engine control module or automatic transmission can also cause this error code to appear.

In each specific case, diagnostics are required to accurately determine the cause of the error.

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P0720?

Symptoms for DTC P0720 may include the following:

• Gearshift problems: The vehicle may experience difficulty shifting gears, such as jerking, hesitation, or incorrect shifting.
• Faulty or unstable driving speed: Since the output shaft speed sensor assists in determining the correct transmission output shaft speed, a malfunction of this sensor may cause the speedometer to display an incorrect speed.
• The automatic transmission can remain in one gear: This may occur due to incorrect information about the output shaft rotation speed that the automatic transmission control module receives.
• Check Engine Light Appears: Trouble code P0720 activates the Check Engine light on the instrument panel.
• Deterioration in fuel economy: Incorrect output shaft speed data can cause the transmission to operate inefficiently, which can affect fuel economy.

How to diagnose a fault code P0720?

To diagnose DTC P0720, you can follow these steps:

1. Checking error codes: You should first use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes that may be stored in the engine management system, including the P0720 code.
2. Checking electrical connections: Check the electrical connections and wiring connecting the output speed sensor to the control module. Detecting breaks, shorts, or oxidation can help identify the problem.
3. Checking the output shaft speed sensor: Check the output shaft speed sensor itself for damage or malfunction. Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensor by rotating it or measuring the voltage.
4. Checking the output shaft: Check the transmission output shaft for damage or wear that could prevent the sensor from working properly.
5. Checking the control module: If there are no other problems, it may be necessary to diagnose the engine control module or automatic transmission to determine the cause of the error.

After completing these steps, you will be able to pinpoint the cause and resolve the issue causing the P0720 trouble code. If you are unsure of your skills or do not have the necessary equipment, it is best to contact a qualified auto mechanic.

Diagnostic errors

When diagnosing DTC P0720, the following errors may occur:

• Insufficient wiring check: If the wiring connecting the output shaft speed sensor to the control module has not been carefully checked for opens, shorts, or oxidation, it may result in an incorrect diagnosis.
• Incorrect interpretation of sensor data: Some mechanics may misinterpret the data received from the output shaft speed sensor, which can lead to a misdiagnosis.
• Insufficient output shaft check: If the output shaft is not checked for damage or wear, the problem may go undetected.
• Incorrect diagnosis of the control module: If the engine control module or automatic transmission is misdiagnosed as the source of the problem, it can lead to the replacement of unnecessary components and additional costs.
• Ignoring other potential problems: The problem that causes the P0720 code may be related to other components of the transmission system, such as solenoids, valves, or the transmission itself. Ignoring these problems may result in ineffective repairs.

It is important to carry out a thorough diagnosis, taking into account all possible causes and factors, in order to avoid mistakes and accurately determine the source of the problem.

How serious is the fault code? P0720?

Trouble code P0720 indicates a problem with the output shaft speed sensor. This may result in incorrect shift strategy and incorrect transmission operation. Although the machine may continue to move, its performance and economy may be significantly degraded.

This error code should be considered serious because improper transmission operation can result in damage to other transmission and engine components, as well as dangerous driving conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact a professional immediately for diagnosis and repair to avoid further problems and ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P0720?

The repairs needed to resolve the P0720 code will depend on the specific issue causing this error. Some general steps that may be required to resolve the problem are:

1. Replacing the output shaft speed sensor: If the sensor is faulty or faulty, it must be replaced with a new working one.
2. Checking and replacing wiring: The wiring connecting the sensor to the control module must be carefully checked for breaks, short circuits or oxidation. If necessary, the wiring should be replaced.
3. Control module diagnostics: Sometimes the problem may be related to the control module itself. In this case, diagnostics or even module replacement may be required.
4. Checking and replacing the output shaft: If the output shaft speed sensor is located on the output shaft itself, the problem may be related to the shaft itself. In this case, it may need to be checked and, if necessary, replaced.
5. Additional diagnostics: If the problem persists after following the basic steps, a more in-depth diagnosis of other components of the transmission system may be required to identify hidden problems.

It is recommended that diagnosis and repair be performed by a qualified auto mechanic or authorized service center to accurately determine the cause and effectively resolve the P0720 trouble code.

P0720 - Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction/ why your gear is behaving abnormally

P0720 – Brand-specific information

Trouble code P0720 can appear on different makes of cars, and its meaning may vary depending on the manufacturer, some meanings of the P0720 code for different brands:

• BMW: Problems with the output shaft speed sensor.
• Toyota / Lexus: Output shaft speed sensor error.
• Honda/Acura: The output shaft speed sensor signal is incorrect.
• Ford: Problems with the output shaft speed sensor.
• Chevrolet / GMC: The output shaft speed sensor signal is abnormal.
• Volkswagen/Audi: Output shaft speed sensor error.
• Mercedes-Benz: There is a problem with the output shaft speed sensor signal.
• Nissan/Infiniti: Output shaft speed sensor error.
• Hyundai/Kia: The output shaft speed sensor signal is incorrect.
• Subaru: Problems with the output shaft speed sensor.

These are general guidelines only, and for more precise information, it is recommended that you refer to the documentation or repair manual specific to your vehicle make and model.