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
DTC P0720:Â Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
General DescriptionÂ
The output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor is attached to the transmission housing to sense output shaft (countershaft) revolutions. The powertrain control module (PCM) determines the vehicle speed according to the signal from the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor for the control units. If no signal from the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor is received for a set time, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.
Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type, OBD StatusÂ
| Execution | Continuous |
| Sequence | None |
| Duration | 5 seconds or more |
| DTC Type | Two drive cycles, MIL on |
| OBD Status | PASSED/FAILED/NOT COMPLETED (STILL TESTING) |
Enable ConditionsÂ
| Condition | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] | 4, 000 rpm | - |
| 12 volt battery voltage [BATTERY] | 10.0 V | - |
| Other | During fuel cut-off operation for deceleration | |
[ ]: HDS Parameter
Malfunction ThresholdÂ
No signal from the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor is detected for at least 5 seconds during deceleration with the engine speed [ENGINE SPEED] at 4, 000 rpm or less.
Possible CauseÂ
NOTE:Â The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
- Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor NC line short to ground
- Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor NC line open
- Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor connector disconnection
- Output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor defection
- PCM internal circuit failure
Diagnosis DetailsÂ
Conditions for setting the DTCÂ
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC and the freeze data are stored.
Conditions for clearing the DTCÂ
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool Clear command or by disconnecting the 12 volt battery.
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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.