Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC P0720: Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
- Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs in the A/T SYSTEM menu with the HDS.
Is DTC P0722 indicated?
YES - Troubleshoot for DTC P0722 in the A/T system (see DTC P0721: PROBLEM IN OUTPUT SHAFT (COUNTERSHAFT) SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT; DTC P0722: PROBLEM IN OUTPUT SHAFT (COUNTERSHAFT) SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT (NO SIGNAL INPUT) ).
NO - Go to step 3.
- Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software (see PCM UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ).
- Test-drive under these conditions:
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT SENSOR 1) above 176 T (80°C)
- Transmission in D position
- ENGINE SPEED between 2,000-4,500 RPM
- Drive for several minutes, then decelerate (with throttle fully closed) for 5 seconds or more
- Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs in the PGM-FI SYSTEM with the HDS.
Is DTC P0720 indicated?
YES - Go to step 6.
NO - Go to step 7.
- Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs in the A/T SYSTEM menu with the HDS.
Is DTC P0722 indicated?
YES - Troubleshoot for DTC P0722 in the A/T system (see DTC P0721: PROBLEM IN OUTPUT SHAFT (COUNTERSHAFT) SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT; DTC P0722: PROBLEM IN OUTPUT SHAFT (COUNTERSHAFT) SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT (NO SIGNAL INPUT) ).
NO - If the PCM was updated, substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ), then go to step 4. If the PCM was substituted, check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the PCM, then go to step 1.
- Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0720 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?
YES - If the PCM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ).
NO - If the screen indicates FAILED, check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the PCM. If the PCM was updated, substitute a known-good PCM (see PAGE 11-8 ), then go to step 4. If the PCM was substituted, go to step 1. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 4.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.