P0722 on 2011-2013 Ford F-150: Output Speed Sensor Failure, Causes, and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2013 Ford F-150

The 2011-2013 F-150, equipped with the 6R80 transmission, is highly prone to this specific failure. The problem isn't usually the sensor itself, but the 'molded lead frame' it's integrated into. This component, a plastic and metal circuit board inside the transmission, develops internal cracks in its electrical connections due to heat cycles and vibration over time. This design flaw led to so many failures, including dangerous sudden downshifts to first gear at highway speeds, that Ford issued Safety Recall 19S07 and Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 (an extended warranty) for the part.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Sudden, violent downshift into a low gear (often 1st) at any speed.
• Check Engine Light and/or Wrench Light illuminated.
• Speedometer drops to zero or behaves erratically while driving.
• Transmission gets stuck in one gear (limp mode), often 3rd or 5th.
• Harsh, delayed, or erratic shifting.
• Odometer displays dashes (----) instead of mileage.
• Transmission fails to downshift to 1st when coming to a stop, then gets stuck in a higher gear when accelerating.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Transmission Molded Lead Frame 🔴 High Probability The original lead frame design in the 6R80 transmission is susceptible to fatigue cracks in its internal circuitry from normal heat cycles and vibration, leading to a loss of the OSS sensor signal. This is a widely documented failure acknowledged by Ford through multiple service actions.
   How to confirm: A professional technician will confirm by retrieving code P0722 (and often P0720, P0731, and/or P1500) and ruling out external wiring issues. A capable scan tool can monitor the live data from the OSS; a signal that drops to zero while the vehicle is moving is a definitive sign of lead frame failure. The diagnosis is strongly confirmed by the vehicle's history and known TSBs for this exact problem.
   Typical fix: Replace the molded lead frame assembly inside the transmission. This also requires replacing the transmission pan gasket, filter, bulkhead connector sleeve, and fluid.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the main transmission wiring harness and the large round bulkhead connector for corrosion, damage, or loose pins. A technician can perform a continuity test from the connector to the PCM. A known chafe point is where the harness may contact the passenger side exhaust manifold.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness or the external connector.
   Est. part cost: $20-$200
3. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fault ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: This is a diagnosis of last resort after the lead frame and wiring have been confirmed to be good. Requires advanced diagnostics by a qualified technician. A PCM failure is highly unlikely to be the cause of this specific code on this vehicle.
   Typical fix: Reprogram or replace the PCM.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code with an OBD-II scanner. Note P0722 and any other related codes like P0720, P0731, or P1500.
2. Check with a Ford dealer using your VIN to see if your truck is covered under Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 or any other recall related to the transmission lead frame. The original program was for 10 years/150,000 miles, so many vehicles may have expired, but it is always worth checking.
3. If not covered by a warranty extension, inspect the main transmission wiring harness and the large round bulkhead connector for any visible damage, corrosion, or fluid intrusion.
4. Using a scan tool with live data capability, monitor the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor PID while driving. If the speed drops to zero intermittently or completely while the vehicle is in motion, the lead frame has failed.
5. If the external wiring is intact and the OSS signal is confirmed to be lost, the next step is to replace the internal molded lead frame.
6. The replacement involves draining the transmission fluid, removing the transmission pan, and carefully unbolting the main control/valve body to access and replace the lead frame.
🎬 See how to safely remove the valve body and lead frame.
7. During the repair, it is critical to also replace the bulkhead connector sleeve and other small seals to prevent future leaks.
8. After installing the new lead frame, reinstall the valve body using the correct torque sequence, a new transmission filter, and the pan with a new gasket. Refill with the correct type and amount of Motorcraft MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid.
9. Clear all DTCs and perform a test drive to ensure the speedometer is working and the transmission is shifting smoothly.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Molded Lead Frame Connector (OEM #AL3Z-7G276-D) — This is the primary point of failure for this code on the 6R80 transmission. It contains the integrated Output Shaft Speed sensor whose signal is lost. This part number supersedes older versions AL3Z-7G276-A and AL3Z-7G276-B.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Dorman
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$200
• Transmission Filter Kit (with Pan Gasket) (OEM #BL3Z-7A098-A (Filter), BL3Z-7A191-C (Gasket)) — The transmission pan must be removed for the repair, and the filter and gasket must be replaced as part of the service.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Wix, ATP
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$50
• Motorcraft MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #XT-10-QLVC) — The transmission fluid must be drained and refilled for this service. Using the correct OEM-specified fluid is critical for transmission health. Approximately 8-10 quarts are needed for a pan drop and fill.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $8-$12 per quart
• Transmission Bulkhead Connector Sleeve (OEM #AL3Z-7G276-A (part of lead frame kit, but sometimes sold separately)) — This seal for the main electrical connector on the transmission case is removed during the lead frame replacement and is a common leak point. It is essential to replace it to ensure a proper seal.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $15-$30
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0720 — P0720 indicates an intermittent or erratic signal from the Output Speed Sensor, while P0722 indicates a complete loss of signal. They are often stored together as the lead frame connection fails and are both listed in Ford's TSBs for this issue.
• P0731 — This code means 'Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio'. It can be triggered when the PCM commands a shift but doesn't see the expected change in speed from the faulty OSS sensor, leading it to believe there's a mechanical slip. This code is also explicitly mentioned in TSB 19N01.
• P1500 — This code indicates a Vehicle Speed Sensor intermittent failure. It is listed alongside P0720, P0722, and P0731 in Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 as a key indicator for lead frame replacement.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01 / TSB 19N01-S3: Extended warranty coverage for the transmission molded leadframe on certain 2011-2013 F-150s, 2012-2013 Expeditions/Navigators with the 6R80 transmission. Lists DTCs P0720, P0722, P0731, and P1500 as triggers for the repair.
🎬 Watch this video to see the lead frame repair for these codes.
• TSB 13-6-8: Addresses wrong gear starts and codes P0720/P0722 on 2011-2014 Mustang and 2011-2013 F-150 with the 6R80, instructing technicians to replace the molded lead frame.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01: Ford issued this program to extend the warranty on the molded lead frame for 10 years or 150,000 miles for certain 2011-2013 F-150s, as well as some Expedition and Navigator models. It covered the replacement of the lead frame if codes P0720, P0722, P0731, and/or P1500 were present. While the program has expired for many vehicles based on time, it's crucial to check with a dealer as it is the definitive acknowledgment of the defect.
• Safety Recall 19S07: Ford also issued this recall to reprogram the PCM. The software update was designed to prevent an abrupt downshift to first gear if the OSS signal was lost. Instead of the dangerous downshift, the updated software commands the transmission into a safer limp mode (e.g., 5th gear) and illuminates the wrench light. It is critical to understand that this software update does not fix the root cause, which is the failing lead frame hardware.
• Part Backorders and Repair Costs: Due to the high failure rate, the lead frame assembly (AL3Z-7G276-D) has been known to go on national backorder, causing long repair delays for owners. Repair costs can vary significantly, with some owners reporting that Ford covered the repair under the aforementioned service programs.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Valve body to transmission case bolts torque — expected: 71 inch-pounds. Failure: Improper torque can cause leaks or damage.
• Lead frame to valve body bolts torque — expected: 53 inch-pounds. Failure: Improper torque can cause damage to the lead frame.
• Transmission pan bolts torque — expected: 97-106 inch-pounds. Failure: Improper torque can lead to fluid leaks.
• OSS sensor signal waveform — expected: A regular square wave with 2-5V amplitude and 30-100 Hz frequency at idle.. Failure: Absence of a waveform or an erratic waveform indicates a sensor or circuit problem.
• Ground circuit resistance — expected: Less than 5 Ω. Failure: Higher resistance indicates a poor ground connection, which can cause sensor signal issues.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• C175T — The main center connector on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is typically located on the passenger-side firewall in the engine bay.. This is the connector where the transmission harness terminates at the PCM. It's the best location to test the OSS sensor circuit for continuity back to the computer.
• C175T, Pin 25 — Pin 25 on the C175T connector at the PCM.. This specific pin is the input for the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor signal. The wire color is typically Yellow with an Orange stripe (YE-OG). Testing at this pin verifies the entire circuit from the transmission to the PCM.
• Transmission Bulkhead Connector — The large, round, external electrical connector on the passenger side of the 6R80 transmission case.. This is the main connection point for all transmission electronics. It's a common spot for fluid leaks (if the internal sleeve fails) and wiring damage. Testing can be performed here to isolate a problem between the external harness and the internal lead frame.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ford F150 Forum user 'electrotyper' (2013 F-150 5.0L) — Check engine light with codes P0720, P0722, and P0731.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealer replaced the transmission lead frame, 11 quarts of fluid, and the plastic connector. The entire repair was paid for by Ford under a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).
• Ford F150 Forum user 'DanSFargo' (2011 F-150 Supercrew 4WD 3.5L EcoBoost) — While driving on the interstate, the speedometer stopped working and the odometer went blank. The transmission shifted from 6th to 5th and would not go below 3rd gear at a stop. Code P0722 was retrieved.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Resetting the code temporarily resolved the issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Other users in the thread confirmed the required fix is replacing the transmission lead frame and warned that the vehicle could dangerously downshift to 1st gear at speed.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• In a documented case, a Ford dealer performed standard electrical tests for shorts to ground and voltage on the OSS circuit and found nothing wrong. Despite the circuit testing 'good' with a multimeter, the intermittent nature of the failure within the lead frame meant the only solution was to proceed with replacing the lead frame assembly, as the problem is an internal, often heat or vibration-related, fracture in the component itself.

OEM Part Supersession History

• AL3Z-7G276-A, AL3Z-7G276-B → AL3Z-7G276-D — The 'D' revision is the latest updated version of the molded lead frame, intended to address the reliability issues of the previous designs.
  Heads up: While older revisions may still be found for sale, it is critical to use the latest 'D' revision for the repair to be effective and long-lasting.
• N/A → N/A — The new OEM lead frame kit (AL3Z-7G276-D) often includes a new foam strip.
  Heads up: This foam strip is designed to prevent metallic clutch material from circulating in the fluid and causing shorts across the solenoid terminals on the lead frame, which could cause other shifting issues.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011: For the 2011 model year, the 6R80 transmission was revised with a new one-way clutch to provide smoother 1-2 upshifts and 2-1 downshifts. This was an internal mechanical change and does not alter the cause or diagnosis of the electronic P0722 code, which remained a problem.