P0720 Output shaft speed sensor circuit
What P0720 means
The transmission control unit is not getting a valid signal from the output shaft speed sensor, which measures road speed at the gearbox. Shift timing and sometimes the speedometer depend on it.
P0720 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- Medium
- Typical repair cost
- 120–450 €
- Workshop time
- 1.5–6 h
- Repair difficulty
- Hard
- DIY possible
- No
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Harsh or erratic shifts
- Speedometer not working on some cars
- Limp mode
- Transmission warning on
Common causes
- Failed output shaft speed sensor
- Damaged wiring or corroded connector
- Metal debris on the sensor tip
- Damaged sensor reluctor ring
Can I keep driving with P0720?
You can drive carefully, but have it checked within one to two weeks. Do not rely on the speedometer if it is affected.
What to check first
- Inspect the sensor connector and wiring
- Clean the sensor tip
- Check the sensor signal while driving
- Replace the sensor
Related codes
- P0722 Output shaft speed sensor no signal
- P0717 Input/turbine shaft speed sensor A no signal
- P0716 Input/turbine shaft speed sensor A range/performance
- P0715 Input/turbine shaft speed sensor A circuit
- P0711 Transmission fluid temperature sensor A range/performance
- P0730 Incorrect gear ratio
- P0731 Gear 1 incorrect ratio
- P0732 Gear 2 incorrect ratio
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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