P0711 on 2013 Ram 2500: Transmission Temperature Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2013 Ram 2500

For the 2013 Ram 2500, particularly models equipped with the common 68RFE automatic transmission, the transmission temperature sensor is not a separate, easily replaceable part. Instead, it is integrated into the main transmission solenoid pack (also called the valve body solenoid). This makes the repair more complex and expensive, as the entire solenoid assembly must be replaced. Additionally, Ram issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) changing this code from a "one-trip" to a "two-trip" fault, meaning the error must be detected on two consecutive drive cycles to trigger the check engine light. This was done to reduce nuisance warnings from minor, intermittent sensor glitches.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed gear shifts
• Transmission may feel like it's slipping
• Transmission overheating, possibly with a burning smell or a "Trans Too Hot" message on the dash
• Vehicle enters "limp mode" (stuck in one gear, often 4th)
• Torque converter clutch fails to engage or disengage properly
• OBD-II scanner shows an irrational temperature reading, such as -40°F or an extremely high value

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Transmission Solenoid Pack (with integrated TFT sensor) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly On the 68RFE transmission, the TFT sensor is part of the solenoid pack. These packs are a known failure point, failing electronically over time or becoming contaminated with debris in the fluid.
   How to confirm: Use an OBD-II scanner to monitor the live transmission fluid temperature data. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose 68RFE transmission problems using live data. If the reading is stuck at a specific value (e.g., -40°F or a very high number) or doesn't change as the truck warms up, the sensor/solenoid pack is likely bad. A healthy sensor should read close to ambient air temperature on a cold start.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire transmission solenoid pack. This requires draining the fluid, removing the transmission pan, unbolting the valve body, 🎬 Watch: DIY walkthrough for a 68RFE valve body installation. and swapping the solenoid pack. 🎬 See this step-by-step solenoid block pack replacement guide. A transmission 'Quick Learn' procedure is often required afterward.
   Est. part cost: $300-$550
2. Low or Degraded Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly Low fluid can cause the transmission to run hotter than normal, while old, burnt fluid loses its ability to dissipate heat effectively, potentially triggering a performance code.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the dipstick with the engine running and transmission in neutral (after shifting through gears). The fluid should be at the correct level, pinkish-red in color, and not have a burnt smell.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter service. If the level is low, top it off and inspect for leaks, particularly around the pan gasket and electrical connector.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250
3. Wiring or Connector Issues ⚪ Low Probability The main round electrical connector on the driver's side of the transmission case can become contaminated with fluid or dirt, or the wiring harness can be damaged from road debris or heat, leading to a poor signal.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the main transmission harness connector for corrosion, bent pins, or fluid intrusion. Disconnect it and check for a 5-volt reference signal and good ground at the appropriate pins with a multimeter. Wiggle the wires while checking for shorted and open circuits.
   Typical fix: Clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease. Repair or replace any damaged sections of the wiring harness.
   Est. part cost: $10-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly This is very uncommon. All other possibilities, especially the solenoid pack and wiring, should be thoroughly ruled out before considering the control module as the cause.
• Internal Transmission Failure: → Shop Transmission Assembly Excessive heat from slipping clutches or a failing torque converter can cause the fluid temperature to rise beyond its expected range, triggering a P0711 code. In this case, the code is a symptom of a larger mechanical problem, often accompanied by dark, burnt fluid and clutch material in the pan.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and check for P0711 and any other related codes, such as P0712, P0713, or pressure switch codes.
2. Monitor the live data stream for the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT).
3. Observe the TFT reading on a cold start (engine off for several hours). It should be within a few degrees of the ambient air temperature and engine coolant temperature sensors. If it reads an extreme value like -40°F or 250°F+, the sensor circuit is faulty.
4. Drive the vehicle to warm it up, watching the TFT reading. It should rise steadily with vehicle operation. If it doesn't change, changes erratically, or drops out, this points to a faulty sensor or wiring.
5. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure it is full, red, and does not smell burnt. Low or burnt fluid can cause overheating and trigger the code.
6. Inspect the main round transmission electrical connector on the driver's side of the case. Check for damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Disconnect it and test the harness for the 5-volt reference and ground signals to the sensor.
7. If the fluid and wiring are good, but the sensor readings are still irrational, the most likely cause is a failed temperature sensor within the solenoid pack, requiring its replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Pack (OEM #68002342AD, 68002342AE (White Connector, fits 2007.5-2018); Note: Some 2011+ models may have a gray connector, verify before ordering.) — This is the most common failure. For the 68RFE transmission, the temperature sensor is integrated into this assembly, which controls fluid flow for shifting.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman, Standard Motor Products (SMP), Suncoast, RevMax
  OEM price range: $400-$550
  Aftermarket price range: $300-$450
• Transmission Filter Kit (OEM #Mopar 68019688AA (Contains both spin-on and pan filters)) — The filters and pan gasket must be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed to access the solenoid pack.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ATP, Wix, Baldwin
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• ATF+4 Transmission Fluid (OEM #Mopar 68218057AC (or equivalent)) — The transmission fluid must be drained to replace the solenoid pack and refilled with the correct fluid type (typically 7-9 quarts for a pan drop).
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Valvoline, Castrol
  OEM price range: $12-$18 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$12 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0712 — Indicates Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Low, suggesting a short to ground. Often points to the same solenoid pack failure.
• P0713 — Indicates Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit High, suggesting an open circuit. Often points to the same solenoid pack failure.
• P0871 — Indicates Overdrive Pressure Switch Rationality. This code is also frequently linked to a failing solenoid pack on the 68RFE, as the pressure switches are housed in the same assembly.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-091-16: Changed P0711 from a one-trip fault to a two-trip fault.
• 18-057-15 REV A: Changed P0711 from a one-trip fault to a two-trip fault.
• 18-057-15: Changed P0711 from a one-trip fault to a two-trip fault.
• 18-030-14 REV. B: Changed P0711 from a one-trip fault to a two-trip fault.
• 21-013-13: Discusses transmission adaptation learn procedures, which are necessary after replacing the valve body or solenoid pack to ensure proper shift quality.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Ram issued multiple software updates via TSBs that changed the logic for setting this code from a one-trip to a two-trip fault. This indicates the manufacturer was aware of intermittent or sensitive readings and aimed to prevent unnecessary check engine lights. [Bulletin #18-091-16, Bulletin #18-057-15 REV A, Bulletin #18-030-14 REV. B]
• The solenoid pack connector color (white or gray) can vary even within the same model year for 2011-2018 trucks. It is critical to visually inspect the connector on the existing solenoid pack before ordering a replacement, although the white connector service part is generally backward compatible.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Temperature Sensor (TFT) Signal Pin Voltage — expected: Varies with temperature. Should not be stuck at 0V or 5V.. Failure: A reading of ~5V suggests an open circuit (P0713). A reading near 0V suggests a short to ground (P0712).
• Warm-up Time Performance — expected: The transmission should reach normal operating temperature within a set time frame, which varies by ambient temperature.. Failure: Code P0711 may set if the temperature fails to rise as expected (e.g., takes longer than ~10 minutes to warm up from 60°F / 15.5°C).

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: Quick Learn — This function is mandatory after replacing the transmission solenoid pack, valve body, or entire transmission. It resets and calibrates the Clutch Volume Indexes (CVIs) in the TCM to match the hydraulic characteristics of the new part, ensuring proper shift quality.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scan tool: TCM/ECM Reset — This should be performed before the 'Quick Learn' procedure to clear any stored adaptive values from the old components.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main Transmission Case Connector (23-way) — Driver's side of the 68RFE transmission case.. This is the primary connection point for all transmission electronics, including the TFT sensor. Testing occurs at this connector's pins.
• Pin 23 (TFT Signal) — On the 23-way main transmission case connector.. This pin carries the temperature signal from the sensor back to the TCM. An open or short on this wire (or the corresponding pin at the TCM) will cause P0712 or P0713.
• Pin 22 (Sensor Ground) — On the 23-way main transmission case connector.. This pin provides the ground reference for the TFT sensor. A poor ground connection can cause a high circuit code (P0713) or erratic readings.
• C130 Connector — An inline junction connector in the harness between the transmission and the main vehicle body/TCM.. This connector is a potential point of failure due to corrosion or loose pins. Technicians may bypass this connector with a jumper wire as a diagnostic step to isolate a wiring problem.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user pr3stonks in r/Cummins (Ram with 68RFE transmission) — Transmission intermittently goes into limp mode and the temperature gauge reads an impossible -38°C, with a code for temperature out of range.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user did not post the final fix, but the confirmed symptoms and community diagnosis pointed directly to either a wiring harness issue (short on the 5V reference or signal wire) or a failed temperature sensor inside the solenoid pack. The recommended diagnostic step was to test for a short on pin #23 of the transmission connector.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68002342AD / 68002342AE → 68002342AG is the latest revision, superseding ...AF, ...AE, etc. — Revisions to improve reliability and address common failure points.
  Heads up: The solenoid pack with a white connector (e.g., 68002342AG) is the correct service part for all 2007.5-2018 Ram 2500/3500 trucks with the 68RFE, even if the original unit had a gray connector (used from 2010+). The gray connector pack cannot be used on earlier models.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013+: The 2013 and newer models use a different PCM and have unique connector pin assignments compared to the 2010-2012 and 2007-2009 trucks. Using a wiring diagram specific to the 2013 model year is critical for accurate electrical diagnosis.