What it means
The fourth transmission fluid temperature sensor signal jumps or drops out intermittently. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
How it works
Transmission fluid temperature sensor D measures fluid temperature at the transmission's fourth sensing point. The control module watches for a stable sensor circuit signal; this code sets when that signal drops out or changes erratically rather than tracking temperature consistently.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Sensor connector not fully seated
- Harness chafed against transmission housing
- Connector with intermittent contact under vibration
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame information and live sensor D data to see whether the reading jumps or disappears and under what conditions.
- Inspect sensor D's connector for a loose latch, moisture, corrosion, pin push-back, or a terminal that does not grip securely.
- Trace the sensor D harness along the transmission and look for chafing, strain, or contact with hot or moving parts.
- Wiggle the connector and harness while watching live data to reproduce the intermittent signal change.
- If the connection and wiring look sound, test sensor D and circuit continuity while moving the harness, using the manufacturer's specification.
Common fixes
- Fully seat and secure sensor D's connector.
- Repair or reroute chafed wiring in the sensor D harness.
- Repair loose, corroded, or damaged connector terminals and seals.
- Replace sensor D if its signal remains intermittent with the connector and harness verified.
Can I keep driving?
If shifting remains normal, limit driving and avoid towing until the intermittent fault is repaired. Stop if shifts become erratic, the transmission slips, or limp mode engages, as the fault can interrupt temperature-based shift control without warning.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.