P0711 on 2013 Ram 3500: Transmission Temp Sensor Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2013 Ram 3500

For the 2013 Ram 3500, which is most commonly equipped with the 6.7L Cummins and a 68RFE transmission, Ram issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address this code. The TSBs (including #18-091-16 and #18-018-13 REV. D) changed the fault logic from a "one-trip fault" to a "two-trip fault." This software update was designed to prevent the check engine light from illuminating due to minor, intermittent glitches. If the light is on for P0711, it indicates a more persistent problem has been detected on at least two separate driving cycles, making it a more credible fault. 🎬 Watch: Common causes and fixes for the P0711 code. Additionally, on these trucks, the temperature sensor is not a standalone part but is integrated into the main solenoid/TRS assembly inside the transmission.

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 overheating or a transmission temperature warning light.
• Vehicle may enter "limp mode," getting stuck in a single gear.
• Abnormal torque converter clutch operation (not locking or unlocking correctly).
• Blinking 'P' (Park) indicator on the gear selector in some cases.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor / Solenoid Pack 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The sensor is an electronic component integrated into the 68RFE solenoid pack, subject to constant heat cycles and submersion in fluid, which leads to failure over time. Debris in the fluid can also cause the solenoids and internal electronics to fail.
   How to confirm: Use an OBD-II scanner to monitor the live transmission temperature data. Compare the cold reading to the ambient air and engine coolant temperature readings; they should be within a few degrees of each other. As the vehicle runs, the temperature should rise steadily. If the reading is stuck (e.g., -40°F or 300°F), doesn't change, or jumps erratically, the sensor/solenoid pack is the primary suspect.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire Transmission Solenoid/TRS Assembly (solenoid pack) inside the oil pan. This is a single unit that contains the temperature sensor, pressure switches, and shift solenoids for the 68RFE transmission.
   Est. part cost: $250-$450
2. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The 68RFE is sensitive to fluid level and quality. Towing heavy loads can accelerate fluid breakdown. Leaks or extended service intervals can lead to low or degraded fluid. If the fluid level is too low, the sensor may not get an accurate reading. Burnt or contaminated fluid can also contribute to sensor and solenoid problems.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the dipstick (engine running, in neutral, on a level surface, after shifting through gears). The fluid should be at the correct level and appear clean and red (Mopar ATF+4), not dark, burnt-smelling, or containing metal shavings.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter change using the correct Mopar ATF+4 fluid. If a leak is present, the source must be identified and repaired. If the fluid is heavily contaminated, it may indicate a more serious internal transmission issue.
   Est. part cost: $75-$150
3. Damaged Wiring or Connectors ⚪ Low Probability The main transmission wiring harness connector on the side of the 68RFE can be susceptible to corrosion, moisture intrusion, or physical damage from road debris, leading to a poor connection and erratic signals.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the main round wiring harness connector on the transmission case for any signs of fraying, melting, pushed-out pins, or corrosion. Disconnect it and check for green-tinged terminals. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and proper voltage at the connector pins according to the service manual.
   Typical fix: Clean the connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease. If the harness or connector is physically damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
   Est. part cost: $20-$300

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly This is rare. Before replacing the module, all other possibilities (sensor, fluid, wiring) must be exhaustively ruled out. A service manual diagnostic procedure may call for replacing the PCM if the sensor and wiring are confirmed to be good.
• Sticking Transmission Cooler Thermostat: → Shop Transmission Assembly On 6.7L Cummins models with the 68RFE, a thermal bypass valve can stick, preventing fluid from reaching the cooler. This causes the transmission to overheat, which could potentially trigger a P0711 if the temperature readings behave erratically as a result, though it more commonly causes over-temp warnings.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and check for P0711 and any other related codes (e.g., P0712, P0713, P0714).
2. Monitor the live data stream for the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor.
3. With the engine cold, compare the TFT reading to the Engine Coolant Temp and Intake Air Temp. They should be within ~5°F of each other.
4. Start the engine and drive the vehicle to warm it up. The temperature should rise steadily and stabilize at a normal operating temperature (typically 160-200°F). If it's stuck, jumps erratically, or reads an impossible value, the sensor or its circuit is faulty.
5. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure it is at the proper level and is not burnt or discolored.
6. Thoroughly inspect the main transmission wiring harness and the large round connector on the case for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
7. If wiring looks good and the sensor reading is illogical, the issue is almost certainly the internal solenoid/TRS assembly. The next step is to drain the transmission fluid and remove the oil pan and valve body to access it.
8. Once the solenoid pack is replaced, perform a transmission 'Quick Learn' procedure with a capable scan tool, as recommended by service bulletins.
9. If the sensor and wiring test good, the issue may be with the TCM/PCM, which requires more advanced diagnostics.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Block / TRS Assembly (OEM #68376695AA (supersedes older numbers like 52120000AA for gray connector models)) — For the 68RFE transmission, the temperature sensor is integrated into this assembly. Replacing the entire block is the required repair to fix the sensor. It's critical to get the correct part for the vehicle's year, as connector colors (white, gray, blue) have changed.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Rostra, RevMax
  OEM price range: $350-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$400
• Transmission Fluid (Mopar ATF+4) (OEM #68218057AB (quart), 68218058AB (gallon)) — The transmission fluid must be drained to access the sensor/solenoid pack. Approximately 7-8 quarts are needed for a pan drop and refill. Using the specified ATF+4 fluid is critical for 68RFE performance and longevity.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Valvoline, Castrol
  OEM price range: $12-$18 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$13 per quart
• Transmission Pan Gasket and Filter Kit (OEM #68002342AD (Kit with filters and gasket)) — The pan gasket and both filters (pan filter and spin-on cooler line filter) should always be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed to ensure a proper seal and fresh filtration.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Fel-Pro, Wix
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0712 — Indicates the Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor circuit input is low, often pointing to a short in the same circuit.
• P0713 — Indicates the Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor circuit input is high, often pointing to an open circuit or a complete sensor failure.
• P0714 — Indicates the Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor circuit is intermittent, which aligns with the 'performance' nature of P0711.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-091-16: Changed P0711 from a one-trip to a two-trip fault.
• 18-057-15 REV A: Changed P0711 from a one-trip to a two-trip fault.
• 18-018-13 REV. D: Details software improvements to change P0711 to a two-trip fault to prevent unnecessary MIL illumination.
• 18-030-14 REV. B: Changed P0711 from a one-trip to a two-trip fault.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• As per multiple TSBs (18-091-16, 18-057-15 REV A, 18-030-14 REV. B, 18-018-13 REV. D), Chrysler/Ram issued a software update to change the P0711 fault from a one-trip to a two-trip fault. This makes the code more reliable, as it requires the fault to be detected on two consecutive drive cycles before illuminating the check engine light.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal Voltage (at PCM/TCM connector) — expected: Approximately 5 volts with the sensor disconnected and ignition on.. Failure: A reading of 0 volts or significantly less than 5 volts may indicate a short in the wiring or a faulty PCM/TCM.
• Transmission Temperature Sensor Circuit Ground — expected: Continuity (audible beep on a multimeter) between the ground pin on the harness connector and a known good chassis ground.. Failure: No continuity (no beep) indicates an open in the ground circuit.
• Set Condition Time for P0711 — expected: The code may set if the transmission temperature does not change by more than 2°C (4°F) after a cumulative 5 minutes of driving at speeds over 5 mph. The expected warm-up time varies by ambient temperature, from ~10 minutes at 60°F to ~35 minutes at -40°F.. Failure: If the temperature reading on a scan tool remains static outside of these timeframes, it indicates a performance fault.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P1713: TFT Sensor In Range Failure Low Value. This is a manufacturer-specific code that can accompany P0711, indicating the sensor is reading a temperature that is too low for the calculated operating conditions, but still within its normal electrical range. (see via A professional-level scan tool with access to manufacturer-specific codes (e.g., wiTECH) may be required.)
• P1718: TFT Sensor In Range Failure High. This is a manufacturer-specific code indicating the sensor is reading a temperature that is too high for the calculated conditions, but still within its normal electrical range. (see via A professional-level scan tool with access to manufacturer-specific codes (e.g., wiTECH).)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH, Autel, Snap-on, or equivalent professional scanner: Quick Learn — This procedure is mandatory after replacing the transmission solenoid/TRS assembly or the entire transmission. It allows the TCM to learn the new clutch volume indexes (CVIs) and calibrate shift timing. Failure to perform a Quick Learn can result in poor shift quality, premature wear, or transmission damage.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Case Connector (23-way) — Large, round, black connector on the left (driver's) side of the 68RFE transmission case.. This is the main electrical interface for the internal solenoid pack. Pin 23 is the Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal, and Pin 22 is the Sensor Ground. Checking for voltage, ground, and continuity at these specific pins is a critical diagnostic step.
• G106 — Located in the left rear of the engine compartment.. This is a major engine compartment ground point. While not exclusively for the transmission, a poor connection at G106 can cause a variety of electrical issues, including erratic sensor readings for components grounded to the engine block or chassis in that vicinity.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/Cummins (Ram with 68RFE transmission) — Transmission intermittently goes into limp mode, and the temperature gauge reads -38 degrees Celsius. Code for transmission temp out of range was present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis was uncertain between wiring and the sensor itself.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The consensus from other technicians in the thread pointed to a failed temperature sensor within the solenoid pack, rather than a wiring issue. One user noted that if the 5V reference supply was shorted, multiple sensor codes would likely be present. Since only the temp code was active, the internal sensor was the most probable cause. The fix is replacing the solenoid pack.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Various (pre-2011) → 52120000AA (and later 68376695AA/AB) — In 2011, the 68RFE solenoid pack design was changed, identified by a gray connector instead of the previous white connector.
  Heads up: A 2013 Ram 3500 requires the gray connector solenoid pack (like Mopar P/N 68376695AA, which supersedes 52120000AA). The earlier white connector solenoid pack is not directly compatible with 2011+ models due to internal hydraulic and electronic differences, although some aftermarket valve bodies are designed to be universal. Using the wrong color connector for the vehicle's model year can result in fault codes and limp mode.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2018: For the 2013 model year, the correct 68RFE solenoid pack uses a gray electrical connector. This is different from the 2007.5-2010 models which used a white connector. The gray connector version has internal differences and is not interchangeable with the earlier white connector version on a stock valve body.