P0720: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit
Standardized SAE J2012 code · P07xx — Transmission
What does P0720 mean?
The output shaft speed sensor (Hall or inductive) reports the speed of the transmission output; it gives the gear ratio together with input speed and on many vehicles also the road speed for speedometer and cruise control. P0720 is the general circuit code. Ford also uses it for 'no signal': while engine and turbine speed show the vehicle moving, the sensor reports under 100–200 rpm for 5–30 s; ZF's 6HP26 in Ford vehicles flags an open or short after 0.6 s. Subaru-based systems (Saab 9-2X) flag an impossible 255 km/h or 0 km/h while driving and light the MIL after two trips, substituting the other sensor. GM does not use P0720 but P0722. Speedometer and cruise control may fail, often with a vehicle speed code as well.
The code tells you which monitor failed, not which part is broken. Test before replacing parts.
Symptoms
- Speedometer drops out or jumps
- Warning lamp, limp mode or fixed gear
- Harsh shifts, cruise control not working
Common causes
- High Speed sensor faulty (Hall IC or coil open or shorted)
- High Connector or harness corroded, chafed or loose pins (with internal sensors also the pass-through connector)
- Medium Metal debris on the sensor magnet or damaged reluctor wheel
- Low Transmission module or its sensor supply faulty
Likelihood is a general estimate across vehicles; your make and model may differ.
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