P0712 on 2013 Ram 2500: Transmission Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

What's Unique About the 2013-2013 Ram 2500

For the 2013 Ram 2500, particularly those equipped with the 68RFE automatic transmission, the transmission temperature sensor is not a simple, standalone part. It is integrated into the main transmission solenoid pack/valve body assembly. This design means that a failure of the temperature sensor often requires the replacement of the entire solenoid pack, a more involved and costly repair than replacing a simple screw-in sensor. It is also critical to note that for 2011-2018 models, these solenoid packs came with either a white or gray main connector, and the correct color must be ordered for compatibility.

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
• Transmission temperature warning light illuminated
• Harsh, erratic, or delayed shifting
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode,' limiting speed and locking in a single gear
• Transmission may feel like it's slipping
• Failure of the torque converter clutch to lock up or unlock properly
• Scan tool shows transmission temperature stuck at an artificially low value (e.g., -40°F)
• Buzzing sound from the transmission area when in Park or Neutral, caused by maxed-out line pressure in limp mode

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Transmission Temperature Sensor (part of the solenoid pack) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The sensor is integrated into the 68RFE solenoid pack, a known failure point due to internal electronic faults or contamination from transmission debris. The entire electronic assembly must be replaced.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor the live transmission fluid temperature data. A reading that is stuck at a very low value (e.g., -40°F) regardless of engine temperature points to a failed sensor or circuit. 🎬 Watch: How to test and replace the fluid temperature sensor A good sensor should read close to the ambient air temperature when the truck is cold.
   Typical fix: Drop the transmission pan, remove the valve body, and replace the entire solenoid pack which includes the new sensor. It is critical to order the pack with the correct color connector (white or gray for 2011-2018 models). Replace transmission fluid and both internal filters (spin-on and pan filter).
   Est. part cost: $300-$550
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness leading to the transmission can be damaged by road debris, heat from the exhaust, or corrosion, causing a short to ground. The large multi-pin connectors near the driver's side wheel well are also known points for corrosion or pushed-back pins.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness from the PCM to the transmission case connector for any signs of damage, chafing, or corrosion. Disconnect the harness and test for a short to ground on the signal wire using a multimeter. Check the main connectors for pushed pins or corrosion.
   Typical fix: Repair or replace the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the connector.
   Est. part cost: $20-$200
3. PCM Software Glitch 🟡 Medium Probability Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued by Ram to address this specific code. The fix involves a PCM software update to change the fault from a one-trip to a two-trip fault, preventing false MIL illumination.
   How to confirm: A dealership or a properly equipped independent shop can check the vehicle's current software calibration ID against the latest version available from FCA (Stellantis). If the software is outdated, an update is required.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software using a wiTECH diagnostic tool. This should be a primary diagnostic step before replacing hardware.
   Est. part cost: $0-$200 (Labor for reflash)

Rare But Worth Checking

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure: → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is the least likely cause. The PCM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including the sensor, wiring, and a software reflash, have been thoroughly tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a diagnostic scan tool and confirm that P0712 is the active code. Note any other codes present.
2. Check for applicable TSBs (e.g., 18-091-16, 18-057-15, 18-030-14). Verify if the PCM software is up-to-date. If not, perform the PCM reflash as this may resolve the issue without hardware replacement.
3. Use the scan tool to view the live data stream for the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor. A reading that is stuck at an extremely low, unchanging value (like -40°F) strongly suggests a circuit low fault. Compare the cold TFT reading to the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) reading; they should be within 5-7 degrees of each other.
4. Inspect the external wiring harness leading to the main transmission connector for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Pay close attention to the large connectors near the driver's side wheel well.
5. If external wiring looks good, drop the transmission oil pan to access the internal components.
6. Visually inspect the internal wiring harness and the connector to the solenoid pack.
7. Using a multimeter and the vehicle's service manual, test the resistance of the temperature sensor at the solenoid pack connector. An out-of-spec reading confirms a faulty sensor.
8. If the sensor tests okay, check for a short to ground in the signal wire between the PCM and the transmission connector.
9. If wiring, sensor, and software are confirmed to be good, the fault may lie with the PCM, though this is rare.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Pack (with integrated sensor) (OEM #68002342AD, 52119435AF (Verify connector color - White or Gray)) — On the 68RFE transmission common in these trucks, the temperature sensor is part of this assembly, which is the most common failure point for this code. For 2011-2018 models, it is critical to verify if you need the white or gray connector version.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Rostra, SunCoast
  OEM price range: $400-$550
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$400
• Transmission Filter Kit (Spin-on and Pan Filter, Pan Gasket) (OEM #5013470AC (Pan Filter), 68019688AA (Spin-on Filter)) — Both filters must be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed for service. A faulty spin-on filter can cause other issues like torque converter drain-back.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Wix, ATP
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF+4) (OEM #68218057AB (MS-9602)) — The transmission fluid must be drained to perform the repair and refilled to the correct level. A typical pan drop requires 6-8 quarts.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Valvoline, Castrol
  OEM price range: $10-$15 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $7-$12 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0711 — This code for 'TFT Sensor Performance' can appear alongside P0712 as the sensor's readings are erratic before failing completely. It is also mentioned in the same TSBs.
• P0713 — This code for 'TFT Sensor Circuit High' can appear if the wiring fault is intermittent, causing both short-to-ground (P0712) and open-circuit (P0713) conditions. It is also mentioned in the same TSBs.
• P0714 — This code for 'TFT Sensor Circuit Intermittent' points to a fluctuating connection or failing sensor, which can also trigger P0712. It is also mentioned in the same TSBs.
• P0882 — This code for 'TCM Power Input Low' can sometimes appear with other transmission codes if there is a broader electrical issue, such as a faulty relay in the TIPM, affecting the entire transmission control circuit.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-091-16: Lists P0712 as part of a group of codes that can be fixed with a PCM software update to prevent unnecessary MIL illumination.
• 18-057-15 REV A: Superseded by later bulletins, but also identified P0712 as a code that could be addressed with a PCM reflash.
• 18-030-14 REV. B: An earlier bulletin that also includes P0712 in a list of codes whose fault logic was updated via a PCM reflash to prevent premature MIL warnings.
• 18-018-13 REV. A: Notes that P0712 was being changed from a one-trip fault to a two-trip fault to 'Prevent Or Reduce Unnecessary Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illumination'.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The provided NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) #18-091-16, #18-057-15 REV A, and #18-030-14 REV. B all list P0712 among a group of codes that could be ad

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Resistance — expected: Approximately 1,000 Ohms (1 kΩ) at 25°C (77°F). Resistance decreases as temperature increases (e.g., ~200-300 Ohms at operating temperature).. Failure: A reading near zero ohms indicates a short. An infinitely high (OL) reading indicates an open circuit. A P0712 is specifically for a short or low resistance/voltage, where the PCM sees a voltage below ~0.08V.
• TFT Sensor Signal Wire Voltage (at PCM or sensor connector) — expected: A variable voltage, typically between 0.5V and 4.5V. Voltage is higher when cold and lower when hot.. Failure: A voltage reading near 0V or below the specified threshold (e.g., <0.08V or <1.55V depending on the specific PCM software) for a few seconds will trigger the P0712 code.
• Live Scan Tool Data - Normal Operating Temperature — expected: Typically 165°F - 185°F (74°C - 85°C) during normal highway driving. May climb slightly higher when towing.. Failure: A reading stuck at an extremely low value, such as -40°F/-40°C, confirms a sensor or circuit fault.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH, Autel, Launch, Snap-on: Quick Learn / Transmission Adaptives Reset / CVI Relearn — This procedure is mandatory after replacing the transmission solenoid pack or valve body. It resets the stored clutch volume index (CVI) values and allows the TCM to relearn the fill times for each clutch pack, ensuring smooth shifts. Failure to perform this can result in harsh shifting or gear ratio error codes even with a new part.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Solenoid/TRS Connector (C106 or T41) — On the driver's side of the transmission case, a large round 23-pin connector.. This is the main electrical interface for the entire transmission, including the TFT sensor. Pin 8 is typically the Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal circuit, and Pin 3 is the Sensor Ground. Testing for shorts or opens should be done at this connector.
• PCM Connector C4 — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is typically located on the driver's side firewall in the engine bay.. The wires from the transmission connector terminate here. Technicians can test for continuity and shorts to ground between the transmission connector and the PCM connector without having to drop the transmission pan. A short to ground on the signal wire (often a Tan/Black wire) is a common cause of P0712.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Cummins Forum user (2013 Ram 2500 with 68RFE) — Check engine light with code P0712, transmission going into limp mode, and scan tool reading -40°F for transmission temp.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the code (it would return immediately).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner dropped the transmission pan and replaced the entire solenoid pack assembly. After replacement and refilling the fluid, the code was cleared and did not return. A 'quick learn' procedure was then performed with a scan tool to restore proper shift quality.
• Turbo Diesel Register forum user (4th Gen Ram with 68RFE) — Intermittent P0712, P0713, and P0714 codes, along with erratic shifting.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The shop initially wanted to replace the internal solenoid pack.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Upon closer inspection, the large wiring harness connector located in the driver's side front wheel well area was found to have corrosion on several pins. Cleaning the connector pins thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and applying dielectric grease resolved all codes and shifting issues without replacing any parts.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Various (Black or Gray connector) → Various (White connector, e.g., 68002342AD, 52119435AF) — Internal design and electronic updates to improve reliability.
  Heads up: The connector color (white, gray, or the later blue for 2019+ models) is critical. The solenoid packs are not interchangeable between connector colors as the pin assignments and internal logic differ. Ordering a pack based on the vehicle's build date or, preferably, by visually inspecting the existing part is essential to ensure compatibility.