P0713 on 2013 Ram 3500: Transmission Temp Sensor High Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2013 Ram 3500

For the 2013 Ram 3500, most commonly equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine and a 68RFE automatic transmission, the transmission temperature sensor is not a standalone part. Instead, it is integrated into the main solenoid pack (also called the solenoid block or TRS assembly). This means that a simple sensor failure requires the replacement of the entire solenoid assembly, which is located inside the transmission oil pan and mounted to the valve body. This design makes the repair more involved and costly than on vehicles with an externally accessible sensor, as it requires draining the fluid, dropping the pan, and often removing the valve body to swap the part.

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 shifts harshly or erratically.
• Delayed gear engagement.
• Vehicle may enter "limp mode," limiting available gears and speed.
• Transmission over-temperature warning light may illuminate, even if the fluid is not actually hot.
• Torque converter clutch may not engage or disengage properly.
• Reduced fuel economy as the PCM may alter engine parameters to protect the transmission.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Transmission Temperature Sensor (Internal to Solenoid Pack) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The sensor is part of a complex electronic assembly (solenoid pack) located inside the transmission, where it is subjected to constant heat cycles and vibration, leading to eventual failure of the sensor's internal thermistor or its connections.
   How to confirm: Using a scan tool, observe the live data for the transmission temperature. A P0713 code will often show a static, default low reading (like -40°F) or an impossibly high reading, which indicates an open circuit. The voltage will be stuck high, near 5 volts. A healthy 68RFE typically runs between 160-185°F at highway speeds, depending on load and ambient temperature.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire transmission solenoid pack. This involves dropping the transmission pan, removing the valve body, swapping the solenoid pack, and reinstalling everything with new filters and fluid. A fluid and filter change is required as part of the job.
   Est. part cost: $350-$450 for an OEM Mopar part.
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The main transmission harness connector on the driver's side of the transmission case is exposed to road debris, moisture, and heat from the exhaust, which can lead to corrosion or broken wires. The internal wiring on the solenoid pack can also become brittle.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the main round transmission connector for corrosion, pushed-out pins, or damage. A diagnostic procedure involves checking for an open or short to voltage on the (T54) Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal circuit between the TCM and the transmission connector. Resistance should be less than 5.0 ohms on a good circuit.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the external wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail. If the internal harness is faulty, the entire solenoid pack must be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100 for wiring repair, or the cost of the solenoid pack if internal.
3. Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) While rare, electronic failure within the control module can cause it to misinterpret the sensor's signal. This is less common than sensor or wiring failure.
   How to confirm: This is a diagnosis of exclusion. If the sensor (solenoid pack) and all related wiring have been tested and confirmed to be good, the module itself is the likely culprit. Technicians can use a transmission simulator tool to send a known-good signal to the PCM to verify its response.
   Typical fix: Replace and reprogram the faulty control module (PCM).
   Est. part cost: $500-$1000

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm the P0713 code is present. Note any other related transmission codes.
2. Using the scanner's live data function, monitor the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) voltage and temperature reading. For P0713, expect to see a voltage near 5V and a temperature reading that is nonsensical and static (e.g., -40°F or over 300°F), indicating an open circuit.
3. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. While not a direct cause of a circuit code, low or burnt fluid indicates other potential transmission problems that should not be ignored.
4. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the main transmission wiring harness and the large round connector on the driver's side of the transmission for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
5. If external wiring looks good, test the circuit. Disconnect the PCM and transmission connectors. Check for continuity on the signal wire (T54 circuit) and check for a short to voltage. Resistance greater than 5.0 ohms indicates an open circuit.
6. If the wiring tests good, the fault is internal to the transmission, pointing to the solenoid pack. The pack itself must be replaced.
7. If both the wiring and a new solenoid pack do not resolve the issue, the final step is to diagnose the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), though this is the least likely cause.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Solenoid Pack (OEM #68353383AB) — The transmission temperature sensor is integrated into this assembly for the 68RFE transmission. This is the most common fix for a P0713 code. The original part may have been a white connector pack, but gray connector packs are often used as replacements.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, RevMax, Sonnax (offers upgraded components)
  OEM price range: $350-$450
  Aftermarket price range: $250-$400
• Transmission Filter Kit and Fluid — Replacement is required when dropping the transmission pan to access the solenoid pack. A pan drop and fill for a 68RFE typically requires 8-10 quarts of ATF+4 fluid.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Wix, Valvoline
  OEM price range: $100-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$100

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0711 — Relates to 'Transmission Temperature Sensor Performance,' often set alongside circuit codes when the reading is irrational or doesn't change as expected.
• P0712 — Relates to 'Transmission Temperature Sensor Low,' indicating a short to ground in the same circuit, the opposite of P0713.
• P0714 — Relates to 'Transmission Temperature Sensor Intermittent,' indicating an unstable signal from the sensor, which could be caused by a loose connection or failing sensor.
• P0869 — Code for 'Line Pressure High'. The TCM may command high line pressure as a protective measure when it cannot determine the correct transmission temperature.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-043-17: Supersedes earlier TSBs and involves a PCM software flash to improve diagnostic logic, changing P0713 from a one-trip to a two-trip fault.
• 18-091-16: Lists P0713 among codes addressed by a PCM software update. Now superseded. [NHTSA]
• 18-057-15 REV A: Lists P0713 among a group of codes related to powertrain improvements. [NHTSA]
• 18-030-14 REV. B: Lists P0713 among codes addressed by software updates. [NHTSA]

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), including the superseding TSB 18-043-17 (which replaced 18-091-16), address a group of powertrain codes including P0713. The fix outlined in these TSBs is often a PCM software update. The update changes the fault logic for P0713 from a one-trip fault to a two-trip fault, helping to prevent false MIL illumination for transient issues. It is crucial to check with a dealer if the vehicle's PCM has the latest software before performing expensive hardware replacements.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TFT Sensor Signal Voltage (Code Set Trigger) — expected: < 4.94 Volts. Failure: Voltage rises above 4.94 volts for more than 0.45 seconds.
• TFT Sensor Signal Circuit (T54) Resistance — expected: < 5.0 Ohms. Failure: Resistance is 5.0 ohms or more, indicating an open circuit.
• TFT Sensor Resistance vs. Temperature — expected: Resistance is inversely proportional to temperature (NTC thermistor). For example, at 68°F, resistance might be around 8.1 kOhms (example value, varies by specific sensor).. Failure: Resistance does not change as fluid temperature increases, or reads open/shorted.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH, Snap-on, Autel, AlfaOBD, Launch X431: Quick Learn — This procedure is mandatory after replacing the transmission solenoid pack or valve body. It allows the TCM to learn the new hydraulic and electronic characteristics of the replacement components to ensure proper shift quality.
• wiTECH (Dealer Tool): PCM Reprogramming / Flash — Used to apply software updates as specified in TSBs like 18-043-17. This can change the fault-setting logic (e.g., from a one-trip to a two-trip fault) to prevent premature MIL illumination for transient conditions.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• T54 Circuit — The Transmission Temperature Sensor Signal circuit wire running from the PCM to the main transmission connector, and internally to the sensor on the solenoid pack.. This is the specific signal wire that must be tested for opens, shorts to voltage, or high resistance when diagnosing a P0713 code.
• Transmission Solenoid/TRS Assembly Connector — Large, round connector on the driver's side of the 68RFE transmission case.. This is the main external connection point for all transmission electronics, including the temperature sensor. It is a common area for corrosion, pin damage, or harness strain.
• Main Chassis/Body Ground — There is a critical ground connection point on the sheet metal below the driver's side battery that is known to corrode.. A poor ground connection can cause a floating voltage reference, leading to erratic sensor readings and various electrical faults, including sensor circuit high codes. While not a direct cause, it can create confusing symptoms.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Various (e.g., 52119435AA, 5170877AD, Grey Connector packs like 52120000AA) → 68353383AB (or other updated White Connector packs like 52119435AF) — Updates to address reliability issues and improve performance. The white connector solenoid pack became the standard replacement for earlier grey connector versions.
  Heads up: The updated white connector solenoid packs are generally backward compatible and replace the older grey connector units for 2007.5-2018 models. However, a grey connector pack will not work in a transmission designed for a white connector pack.