P0713 on 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata: Transmission Temperature Sensor Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai has acknowledged this issue by releasing Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 14-AT-010, which covers the 2011-2015 Sonata. The TSB explicitly states not to replace the entire transmission for this code. For vehicles built before March 2013, the temperature sensor could be replaced separately, but for those built after, the sensor is integrated into the main internal wiring harness of the transmission, requiring the entire harness assembly to be replaced. This makes the repair more involved than a simple external sensor swap and is a well-documented common failure on this platform.

Generation note: This range covers the end of the 6th generation (YF, 2011-2014) and the start of the 7th generation (LF, 2015). The issue and the corresponding TSB (14-AT-010) apply to both generations, indicating a common problem with the A6MF1 6-speed automatic transmission used in both.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Harsh, delayed, or erratic gear shifts, sometimes described as 'slamming' into gear.
• Vehicle enters 'Limp Mode', often stuck in 3rd gear.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Torque converter clutch will not engage at highway speeds, leading to higher RPMs.
• Transmission may feel like it's slamming into gear when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
🎬 Watch this walkthrough on fixing erratic shifting and changing fluid.
• The check engine light may turn on and off intermittently.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Internal Transmission Wiring Harness / Temperature Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly As documented in Hyundai TSB 14-AT-010, this is the most common failure point. The sensor, a thermistor, fails internally creating an open circuit. On later models, it is integrated with the harness, and the entire assembly fails.
   How to confirm: A technician will use a scan tool to observe the transmission fluid temperature reading. A reading of -40°F or a voltage over 4.9V points directly to an open circuit. The next step is to test the wiring at the main transmission connector to isolate the fault to inside the transmission before disassembly. 🎬 See how to test and replace the temperature sensor. Resistance across the sensor pins should match a specified chart (e.g., ~2.51 kΩ at 68°F/20°C).
   Typical fix: Replace the internal transmission wiring harness assembly (which includes the new sensor). This requires draining the fluid, removing the transmission pan and valve body to access the part.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged External Wiring or Connector: While less common than internal failure, wiring between the TCM and the transmission case connector can become damaged from road debris or corrosion. A visual inspection and continuity test of the external harness should be performed before opening the transmission.
• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly This is very rare. The TCM should only be considered after definitively ruling out the sensor, internal harness, and external wiring. A faulty TCM will typically cause multiple other codes and issues. Hyundai TSBs instruct to replace the PCM if the code returns after a harness replacement.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect a professional scan tool to read the fault codes and view live data.
2. Observe the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor data. A reading of -40°F or a voltage above 4.9V strongly suggests an open circuit.
3. Inspect the main transmission harness connector for corrosion, damage, or loose pins.
4. If external wiring looks good, perform a continuity test on the wires between the TCM and the transmission connector to rule out an external break.
5. If external wiring is confirmed to be good, the fault is inside the transmission.
6. Follow the procedure in TSB 14-AT-010: Drain the transmission fluid, remove the pan, and remove the valve body to access and replace the internal wiring harness/sensor assembly.
🎬 Watch a professional mechanic locate and replace the internal sensor.
7. Reassemble the transmission with the new part, a new pan gasket, and fresh, correct-spec (SP-IV / SPH-IV) ATF.
8. Using a Hyundai GDS or equivalent scan tool, perform the 'Resetting Auto T/A values' function.
9. Perform the adaptive learning drive cycle to allow the TCM to relearn shift points.
10. Clear the trouble codes and perform a final test drive to verify the repair.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Wire Harness Assembly (OEM #46307-3B650) — This is the part identified in TSBs as the primary fix. It contains the integrated transmission fluid temperature sensor that fails and causes the P0713 code. This part number supersedes older versions like 46307-3B620 and 46307-3B610.
  Trusted brands: Hyundai (OEM)
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$180
• Hyundai SP-IV / SPH-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #00232-19057) — The transmission fluid must be drained to perform the repair and will need to be refilled with approximately 5-6 quarts of the correct OEM-spec fluid. Hyundai does not approve of aftermarket additives.
  Trusted brands: Hyundai, Idemitsu, ENEOS
  OEM price range: $15-$25 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$18 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0712 — This is the opposite code, 'Circuit Low', indicating a short to ground. It's for the same sensor but a different failure mode.
• P0711 — This code means 'Sensor Rationality', indicating the sensor's readings are stuck or not changing as expected. All three codes (P0711, P0712, P0713) are addressed by the same Hyundai TSB.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 14-AT-010: Addresses P0711, P0712, & P0713 on 2011-2015 Sonatas (and other models), identifying the internal temperature sensor/harness as the cause.
• 20-AT-014H: A later TSB that also lists P0711-P0713 and points to replacing the internal harness.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Hyundai issued TSB 14-AT-010 specifically to address codes P0711, P0712, and P0713 on their 6-speed automatic transmissions, instructing technicians to replace the internal harness/sensor rather than the entire transaxle.
• A video from a mechanic specializing in Hyundai/Kia notes this is a very common issue on the YF Sonata platform.
• For models built after March 2013, the sensor is integrated into the harness (part 46307-3B650), while earlier models may have had a separate sensor.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Resistance — expected: Approx. 2.51 kΩ at 68°F (20°C), 1.11 kΩ at 104°F (40°C), and 0.32 kΩ at 176°F (80°C).. Failure: An infinite resistance or 'OL' (Open Loop) reading indicates a failed sensor.
• TFT Sensor Voltage (Live Data) — expected: Varies with temperature, e.g., approx. 3.2V at 104°F (40°C).. Failure: A fixed reading of >4.9V, often displayed as a default low temperature like -40°F, indicates an open circuit.
• TFT Sensor Circuit Pin Test (at internal harness connector) — expected: Resistance measurement across pins 9 and 13 should match the temperature/resistance chart.. Failure: No continuity (OL) between pins 9 and 13 confirms the internal harness/sensor has failed.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Hyundai GDS (or equivalent professional scanner): Resetting Auto T/A values (or 'Resetting Auto transmission adaptive values') — This function is mandatory after replacing the transmission, valve body, or internal wiring harness. It erases the old learned shift adaptations, preventing harsh shifting with the new components.
• Hyundai GDS (or equivalent professional scanner): Adaptive Values Relearn Procedure — Immediately after resetting the adaptive values. It involves a specific drive cycle (e.g., accelerating smoothly through all gears 5 times) to teach the TCM the correct shift pressures and timing for the new components.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• TFT Sensor Pins (Internal) — On the 16-pin connector of the internal wiring harness that plugs into the valve body solenoid block.. The Transmission Fluid Temperature sensor circuit is located on pins 9 and 13. Testing for resistance between these two pins directly at the harness connector (after removing the valve body) can definitively confirm if the harness/sensor assembly is faulty.
• Main Transmission Case Connector — On top of the transmission case, accessible from the engine bay after removing the airbox and battery tray.. This is the primary test point to differentiate between an internal transmission fault and an external wiring issue. By identifying the two pins corresponding to the TFT sensor at this connector, a technician can test the entire internal harness without dropping the pan first.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• NHTSA ODI #11329064 — An owner reported that while changing gears, the engine shakes badly. A diagnostic scan revealed code P0713 for a bad transmission temperature sensor.
• YouTube channel 'The Mech-A-Nic' (Hyundai Elantra (with same A6MF1 family transmission and issue)) — Check engine light with P0711 and P0713, very harsh gear engagement into Drive and Reverse.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner had been driving with the issue for a long time before seeking repair.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The mechanic confirmed a -34°F reading on the scan tool. After inspecting for external wire damage and finding none, he replaced the internal transmission temperature sensor (it was a pre-2013 model with a separate sensor). After replacement, the scan tool showed a normal temperature, and a test drive confirmed the harsh shifting was gone.
• Reddit user in r/Hyundai (2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS) — Hard shifting.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user correctly diagnosed the issue as the temperature sensor. Knowing that 2013 was the changeover year, they proactively purchased the entire internal wiring harness assembly to perform the repair, anticipating that the sensor was integrated and not sold separately. This demonstrates the correct parts-sourcing logic for this specific repair.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 46307-3B610, 46307-3B620 → 46307-3B650 — Part revision and consolidation by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The newer part number is the correct and current replacement for the older versions.
• 46386-3B900 (Sensor Only) → 46307-3B650 (Harness Assembly) — Design change integrating the sensor into the harness.
  Heads up: For vehicles built from March 2013 onward, the separate sensor cannot be used. The entire harness assembly is required. Pre-March 2013 vehicles can use the separate sensor, but replacing the entire harness with the updated integrated design is often recommended.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011 - early 2013: These models were equipped with a separate transmission temperature sensor (PN 46386-3B900) that could be replaced independently of the main internal wiring harness.
• Mid-2013 - 2015: Starting in March 2013, Hyundai integrated the temperature sensor directly into the internal wiring harness. For these vehicles, the entire harness assembly (PN 46307-3B650) must be replaced to fix the sensor.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Theta II Engine Failure (Rod Bearing Wear) 🔴 High — Very common on 2011-2014 models with the 2.4L GDI and 2.0T engines. Can occur from 70,000 miles onward. (Ref: Multiple recalls (e.g., NHTSA 15V568000) and a class-action lawsuit settlement led to lifetime warranty extensions for affected vehicles.)
• Degradation of Steering Column Coupler 🟠 Medium — Extremely common. The flexible rubber coupler in the electronic power steering motor wears out, causing a clicking or clunking noise when turning the wheel. Typically occurs between 55,000-100,000 miles. (Ref: Hyundai extended the warranty for this component (TSB 17-ST-002-1), but it is a frequent out-of-pocket repair. The part itself is inexpensive.)
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🔴 High — Common on the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, particularly in the 2015 model year. Can be a precursor to engine failure. (Ref: Subject of a separate class-action lawsuit. Dealers may perform an oil consumption test.)
• Engine Seizing or Stalling 🔴 High — A direct result of the Theta II engine bearing failure, most prevalent in 2011-2013 models. Often preceded by engine knocking. (Ref: Covered by the same engine failure recalls and warranty extensions.)
• Parking Lights Stay On (Fuse Box Malfunction) 🟡 Low — A known issue on the 6th generation (2011-2014) where an internal fault in the cabin fuse box prevents the parking lights from turning off, draining the battery.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific repair, using a used part from a salvage yard is NOT recommended. The failure is an electronic thermistor within a plastic harness that operates in a high-heat environment. The plastic becomes brittle with age and heat cycles, and the electronic failure is not something that can be visually inspected.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable, as a used part is not advised.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Transmission Wire Harness Assembly (46307-3B650)

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• While some aftermarket harnesses exist, the OEM Hyundai part is the most commonly cited and trusted solution for this known issue.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed, no-brand parts from online marketplaces should be avoided due to the complexity of the labor. The risk of a premature failure of a cheap part outweighs the initial cost savings.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Documented NHTSA Reports

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0711 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance. This code is often set along with P0713. Both are addressed by Hyundai TSB 14-AT-010 and point to the same failure of the internal sensor/harness assembly.
• P0712 — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor 'A' Circuit Low. This code indicates a short circuit in the sensor, the opposite of P0713's open circuit. Both codes are caused by the failure of the same component and are covered by the same TSB.

Frequently Asked Questions