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.
Oil Temperature Sensor
The temperature sensor is the NTC type. The temperature sensor is located on the transmission control system inside the side cover and measures the temperature of the transmission oil in the sump. The temperature sensor is an integrated part of the cable harness. The temperature sensor is supplied with 5 V and is grounded via the Transmission Control Module (TCM). By measuring the voltage drop over the sensor's NTC resistor the control module can determine the temperature of the transmission oil. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) uses the information on transmission oil temperature for:
- calculating transmission gearshift timing
- calculating engagement and disengagement of the lock-up function.
The Transmission Control Module (TCM) stores the time for which the temperature has been within a certain temperature range and if a certain temperature and time has been exceeded, then a diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) is generated to indicated that an oil change is necessary.
The temperature sensor can be diagnosed.
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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.