1997 Saturn SL2 service engine soon light is on, the malfuntion code is P0711. ?

Question

I found that it is the temp sensor A.

Any help is welcome.

Is there more than one temp sensor in the tranny, is the sensor in the tranny, or is it semi-accessible, should I disconnect the battery cables and see if the code clears without doing any repair, is this a common problem, how much would it cost a shop to do the job, can the amateur mechanic do this task? Those are a few of the questions I currently have, who knows maybe your answer will answer other questions I do not have yet.

Answer 1

Just one, externally accessible.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Important

The transaxle fluid temperature ECT and IAT sensors are continuously checked when the ignition is ON.

Important

Visually inspect the transaxle fluid temperature, ECT, and IAT wires for evidence of shorts to battery/ignition voltage. Shorts to battery/ignition voltage will skew the sensor resistance and cause DTC P0710 and P0711 to set.

DTC P0711 is set when the PCM/TC has completed 2 warm-up cycles with the following parameters detected:

    * Engine coolant below 30°C (80°F) after exceeding 71°C (160°F).

    * IAT and ECT are within 6°C (10°F).

    * The transaxle fluid temperature reading is greater than 9°C (16°F) of the IAT during start-up.

Diagnostic Aids

DTC P0711 may set if the vehicle is towed with the front wheels on the ground. If it is suspected that the vehicle has been towed recently, clear the DTC and return the vehicle to the customer.

With the ignition ON and the engine OFF, observe the transaxle fluid temperature vs. ECT vs. IAT sensor after the vehicle obtained a cold soak.

Refer to Description and Operation for transaxle fluid temperature, ECT, and IAT sensors Temperature vs. Resistance chart.

Important

The PCM uses 2 internal circuits to identify transaxle temperature. One circuit is used for temperatures of 48°C (118°F) and below. If either circuit has failed, the DTC will set. However, the temperature may look normal in the other range.

Important

DTC P0711 can not be cleared until the TFT sensor passes at least 1 warm-up cycle. Refer to DTC P0711 parameters for specific requirements.

Test low scale with the engine at room temperature and high scale with the engine at normal operating temperature, above 70°C (158°F).

Answer 2

When was the last time you had the fluid and filter changed?

Answer 3

P0711 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Please don't disconnect your battery as a way of resetting error codes.  Unless the problem that set the code to begin with is dealt with, the error code will just come back.

At best you will have to reset your clock and all the radio presets, and your car will have to learn to idle properly again, at worst you will have a flashing security light and a car that won't start, and the cost of a tow to reset things.

This isn't a do it yourself job.  Find a decent transmission shop and discuss it with them.

Good luck.