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.
Transaxle Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor
The transaxle fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor that provides information to the TCM regarding transaxle fluid temperature. The temperature sensor is integrated in transaxle fluid pressure switch assembly which is bolted to the control valve body. The sensor monitors main line pressure from the inside of the control valve body in order to determine the operating temperature of the transaxle fluid. The sensor uses an O-ring seal to maintain fluid pressure in the control valve body.
The internal electrical resistance of the sensor varies in relation to the operating temperature of the transaxle fluid. The TCM sends a 5-volt reference signal to the temperature sensor, then measures voltage drop in the electrical circuit. A lower fluid temperature creates a higher resistance in the temperature sensor, thereby measuring a higher voltage signal.
The TCM measures this voltage as another input to help control line pressure, shift schedules and TCC apply. When the TFT reaches 140°C (284°F), the TCM enters hot mode. Above this temperature the TCM modifies the transaxle shift schedules and TCC apply in an attempt to reduce fluid temperature by reducing the amount of heat generated by the transaxle. During hot mode the TCM applies TCC at all times in Third and Fourth gears. Also, the TCM performs the 2-3 and 3-4 shifts earlier in order to help reduce heat generated in transaxle fluid.
TFT Sensor - Temperature to Resistance
| °C (°F) | R Low (ohms) | R High (ohms) |
|---|---|---|
| 0°C (32°F) | 7987 | 10859 |
| 10°C (50 °F) | 4934 | 6407 |
| 20°C (68 °F) | 3106 | 3923 |
| 30°C (86 °F) | 1991 | 2483 |
| 40°C (104 °F) | 1307 | 1611 |
| 50°C (122 °F) | 878 | 1067 |
| 60°C (140 °F) | 605 | 728 |
| 70°C (158 °F) | 425 | 507 |
| 80°C (176 °F) | 304 | 359 |
| 90°C (194 °F) | 221 | 259 |
| 100°C (212 °F) | 163 | 190 |
NO RELATED
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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.