P0712 on 2015-2017 Chrysler 200: Transmission Temperature Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2017 Chrysler 200

Unlike many vehicles where the transmission temperature sensor is a simple, accessible part, the ZF 9-Speed (also known by its Chrysler designation, 948TE) integrates the TFT sensor into a larger electronic assembly on the valve body. This assembly, sometimes called the 'sensor unit kit' or 'valve body harness', contains the temperature sensor, speed sensors, and selector position sensor. This design means a simple sensor failure becomes a major repair, as the sensor cannot be replaced on its own. The entire electronic kit must be replaced, making the fix significantly more labor-intensive and expensive.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Transmission warning light is illuminated
• Message on dash: "Service Transmission"
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts, especially when cold.
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' and may be stuck in one gear (often 4th or 5th).
• Poor acceleration
• Incorrect temperature reading on the dashboard display, if equipped
• Vehicle may unexpectedly shift into neutral.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Transmission Temperature Sensor Failure 🔴 High Probability The sensor is integrated into the valve body's electronic harness/connector assembly (pass-through connector), which is a known failure point across all platforms using the ZF 9-speed. It is not available as a separately serviced part from the manufacturer.
   How to confirm: A professional scan tool will show the transmission fluid temperature reading a static, extremely low value (e.g., -40°F) that does not change as the vehicle warms up. This confirms the circuit is shorted internally within the sensor component. A resistance check at the transmission connector between the appropriate pins should show a value near zero ohms, instead of a value corresponding to the ambient temperature (e.g., ~6,455 ohms at 10°C).
   Typical fix: Replace the transmission valve body sensor/harness kit. This requires removing the transmission pan and valve body. After replacement, the TCM must be updated and a 'Quick Learn' procedure must be performed with a compatible scan tool.
   Est. part cost: $400-$900
2. Damaged Wiring Harness or Connector ⚪ Low Probability While less common than internal failure, the main harness connector at the transmission can be susceptible to corrosion or damage.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the main wiring harness leading to the transmission for any signs of chafing, melting, or corrosion. A technician would perform a continuity test from the TCM connector to the main transmission connector to rule out an external short to ground before condemning the internal part.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness. Clean the connector pins if corrosion is present.
   Est. part cost: $50-$300

Rare But Worth Checking

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure: While rare, the TCM itself can fail and misinterpret the sensor signal. This should only be considered after the sensor and wiring have been definitively ruled out as the cause. On this vehicle, the TCM is a separate unit mounted on the transaxle, accessible after removing the left front wheel.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a professional OBD-II scanner to confirm P0712 is the primary code.
2. View the live data stream for the Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A'.
3. If the temperature reads a static, very low value (such as -40°F/-40°C), it strongly indicates a shorted circuit within the sensor.
4. If the reading is plausible but seems incorrect, compare it to the engine coolant temperature on a cold start; they should be nearly identical.
5. Inspect the main external transmission wiring harness and connector for visible damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
6. If the external wiring is intact, the fault is almost certainly internal to the transmission, within the sensor/harness assembly. A technician can confirm this by checking resistance between the sensor signal and ground pins at the main transmission connector. A reading near zero ohms confirms an internal short.
7. The next step is to drain the transmission fluid and remove the transmission pan to access the valve body.
8. Replace the integrated sensor/harness assembly (often called the 'sensor unit kit') on the valve body.
9. After reassembly, refill with the correct ZF 9-Speed transmission fluid (Mopar 68218925AA / ZF Lifeguard 9), and perform a transmission 'Quick Learn' procedure using a manufacturer-compatible scan tool as mandated by TSB 21-013-16.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Valve Body Sensor Unit Kit (OEM #ZF 1094.298.068 (kit)) — This is the most common failure. The temperature sensor is integrated into this electronic assembly on the valve body and is not sold separately. This kit includes the harness with integrated temperature, speed, and position sensors.
  Trusted brands: ZF (OEM), Mopar
  OEM price range: $500-$1000
  Aftermarket price range: $400-$800
• ZF 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #Mopar 68218925AA (ZF Lifeguard 9)) — The transmission pan must be dropped for the repair, requiring a drain and refill of approximately 5-6 liters.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ZF
  OEM price range: $30-$50 per liter
• Transmission Pan Gasket (OEM #ZF 0501.220.007 (part of pan assembly)) — The pan gasket should be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed. For the 948TE, the pan and filter are often replaced as a single unit.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ZF, Mahle, Fel-Pro
  OEM price range: $80-$150 (Pan with integrated filter)
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$120

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0711 — P0711 indicates an erratic or irrational signal from the same temperature sensor. It can sometimes accompany P0712 if the sensor is failing intermittently before shorting out completely.
• P0713 — This is the opposite code, indicating a 'Circuit High' or open circuit. It's unlikely to appear with P0712 but relates to the same component and has the same root cause (failed sensor unit).

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 21-002-16: Flash: Transmission Diagnostic And Shift Enhancements for 2016 models to improve shift quality.
• 18-023-16 REV. C: Flash: 2.4L Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements for 2015 models, which involves reprogramming the PCM.
• 21-013-16: 948TE 9 Speed Transmission Quick Learn Procedure - This bulletin details the mandatory scan tool procedure required after transmission repairs to ensure proper shift quality.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The ZF 9-Speed transmission in the Chrysler 200 is known for various software and hardware issues. Chrysler has released multiple software updates (TSBs) to address shift quality and diagnostic logic. It is critical that the TCM and PCM have the latest software, especially after a major repair like a valve body service.
• Many owners and technicians on forums emphasize the necessity of performing the 'Quick Learn' procedure after this repair to prevent post-repair shifting problems. Skipping this step often results in continued harsh shifting.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Resistance — expected: Approx. 6,455 Ohms at 10°C (50°F); 247 Ohms at 110°C (230°F).. Failure: A resistance reading near zero ohms indicates a short circuit, which causes code P0712.
• TFT Sensor Circuit Voltage at TCM — expected: A variable voltage that corresponds to temperature (higher voltage when cold, lower when hot).. Failure: Voltage drops below 0.078 volts for 1.45 seconds. This is the specific condition that sets the P0712 fault code.
• Reference Voltage at Transmission Connector — expected: Approximately 5 volts with key on, engine off.. Failure: Significantly less than 5 volts may indicate a wiring issue or a problem with the TCM's 5V reference circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or compatible high-end scanner): Transmission Quick Learn Procedure — This procedure is mandatory after replacing the valve body, sensor harness, or TCM, or after a software flash. It allows the TCM to learn the hydraulic and mechanical characteristics of the transmission to ensure proper shift quality. Failure to perform this is a common cause of post-repair shift problems.
• wiTECH: TCM Reprogram/Flash — Should be performed as a first step if TSBs indicate a software update is available to fix diagnostic logic or shift quality issues. It's also required when a new TCM is installed.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) — Mounted externally on the transaxle. It is accessed by removing the left front wheel and looking rearward of the suspension strut.. The TCM is the module that reads the temperature sensor voltage. All external wiring tests for the sensor circuit originate or terminate at the TCM's connector.
• Main Transmission Harness Connector — The large, round, lever-lock connector on the side of the transmission case.. This is the primary test point for determining if the P0712 fault is internal or external to the transmission. Testing resistance between the TFT sensor pins here can confirm an internal short without opening the transmission.
• TFT Sensor Circuit Pins (at Transmission Connector) — Within the main transmission harness connector. Based on general ZF 9-speed diagrams, the TFT sensor pins are often Pin 9 (T54 Signal) and Pin 13 (Sensor Ground).. These are the specific pins a technician must probe with a multimeter to measure the resistance of the internal temperature sensor to confirm if it is shorted.
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) — For the 2.4L engine, the PCM is located on the right side of the engine bay, near the battery.. While the TCM directly controls the transmission, the PCM is the central computer. In some diagnostic procedures, wiring may be checked back to the PCM.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015-2016: Multiple Technical Service Bulletins, including the critical TSB 21-013-16 for the 'Quick Learn' procedure, were issued specifically for these model years to address software glitches and erratic shifting. This highlights the evolving nature of the software calibration in the early years of this transmission.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Tigershark Engine) 🔴 High — Widespread issue affecting 2015-2017 models, subject of a class-action lawsuit. Can occur at any mileage, leading to engine stalling or failure if oil level is not monitored closely. (Ref: Class-action settlement (Wood, et al. v. FCA US, LLC) extended warranty and provided some remedies.)
• Harsh/Erratic Shifting and Transmission Failure 🔴 High — Very common complaint for the ZF 9-speed's early years. Many issues were addressed by software updates, but some vehicles experienced complete transmission failure. (Ref: Multiple software update TSBs (e.g., 21-002-16) and a recall (NHTSA 16V-529) were issued to address shift quality and unexpected shifts to neutral.)
• Engine Stalling While Driving 🔴 High — A dangerous and frequently reported problem where the engine shuts off without warning, often linked to the oil consumption issue or wiring harness problems. (Ref: Recall issued for some vehicles due to wiring harness crimping issues that could cause stalling.)
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Malfunctions 🟠 Medium — Owners report 'Service Park Brake' warnings, sometimes appearing with the 'Service Transmission' message. Can be caused by software glitches, wiring issues, or faulty components. (Ref: A TSB was released for reprogramming the EPB module on 2014-2016 models.)
• Random Deployment of Active Head Restraints (AHR) 🟠 Medium — A known defect where the plastic bracket inside the active headrest can fail, causing it to deploy unexpectedly and strike the occupant. (Ref: No recall, but it is a well-documented problem across several Chrysler models.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific P0712 fault, buying a used 'Sensor Unit Kit' or a complete used valve body is NOT recommended. The integrated sensor harness is a known high-failure-rate part across all vehicles using the ZF 9-speed. Installing a used part carries a significant risk of the same failure occurring shortly after the complex and costly repair.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable, as used electronic components for this repair are strongly discouraged.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Transmission Valve Body Sensor Unit Kit (ZF Part #1094.298.068)
• ZF 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF Lifeguard 9 / Mopar 68218925AA)

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ZF (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Any unbranded or generic 'Sensor Unit Kits' from online marketplaces. The complexity and software-dependency of this transmission make using non-OEM electronics extremely risky.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0713 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit High. This is the direct companion code to P0712. While P0712 indicates a short to ground, P0713 indicates an open circuit. Both codes point to a failure of the same sensor or its wiring.
• P0711 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance. This code can be set if the sensor's readings are erratic or implausible, which can be a symptom of the sensor beginning to fail before it shorts out completely and triggers P0712.
• P0700 — Transmission Control System Malfunction. This is a generic code indicating that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault, such as P0712. It is often the first code seen with a generic scanner and signals that more specific transmission codes are present.
• P0734 — Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio. The TCM uses fluid temperature to calculate shift pressures. A false, extremely low temperature reading from a P0712 fault can cause incorrect line pressure, leading to harsh shifts, slipping, and the setting of gear ratio error codes.
• U0401 — Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM. If the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects the faulty temperature reading from the transmission, it may log this code, as the data is nonsensical (e.g., -40°F) and conflicts with other vehicle sensors like the engine coolant temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions