P0722 on 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark: Output Speed Sensor Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark

For the 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark, which is equipped with a Jatco CVT7 continuously variable transmission, the P0722 code is a very common issue that typically points directly to the Output Speed Sensor or its wiring. Unlike some vehicles where this code can be triggered by a variety of complex internal transmission failures, on the Spark it's most often an external component failure. The sensor is located on the top of the transmission case, making it more accessible than on vehicles where it is located inside the transmission pan. This specific CVT is known for reliability issues, but P0722 is one of the more straightforward faults to diagnose.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Harsh or delayed gear shifts
• Vehicle enters "limp mode" (stuck in a single gear, will not go above ~30 mph)
• Poor fuel economy
• Inaccurate or non-functional speedometer
🎬 See how a failing sensor affects the speedometer
• Vehicle hesitates or bogs down on acceleration
• Transmission may seem to slip (engine RPMs rise without an increase in speed)

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Output Speed Sensor (OSS) 🔴 High Probability The Jatco CVT7 transmission used in the Spark has a known history of speed sensor failures across various manufacturer platforms. The sensors are electronic components that can fail over time due to heat cycles and vibration.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor the OSS parameter while driving (or with wheels raised); it should vary with vehicle speed. If there's no reading (stuck at 0 RPM) while the input speed sensor shows RPMs, the sensor or its circuit is faulty. A multimeter can be used to test the sensor's internal resistance to see if it's within specifications (often between 200-1000 ohms for similar sensors).
   Typical fix: Replace the Output Speed Sensor. 🎬 Watch this guide on P0722 causes and fixes
   Est. part cost: $20-$100
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness on top of the transmission is exposed to engine heat and potential rodent damage, which can cause wires to break, short, or corrode. There is a known issue on some Spark models where the TCM X2 connector can crack when the harness is moved during other repairs, leading to poor connections.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the OSS for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Pay close attention to the large TCM X2 connector if other transmission work was recently performed. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and proper voltage at the sensor connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
3. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly While not specific to the Spark, the Jatco CVT is sensitive to fluid level and condition. Low or dirty fluid can cause a range of transmission issues, including erratic sensor readings due to metallic debris accumulating on the magnetic sensor tip.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be at the correct level and appear clean, not dark or burnt-smelling. This CVT does not have a traditional dipstick, so checking the level is a more involved process.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill with the correct CVT-specific fluid, or a full fluid exchange if the fluid is heavily contaminated.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is rare and should only be considered after the sensor and wiring have been thoroughly tested and ruled out. A computer failure is the least likely cause. However, GM did issue a Preliminary Information bulletin (PIP5058A) restricting the replacement of the TCM for the 2013 Spark to gather data on failures, indicating it was a component of interest.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check for other stored trouble codes. A P0700 code is expected to accompany P0722.
2. Inspect the transmission fluid level and condition. This requires raising the vehicle and opening a check plug. Top off or replace with CVT-specific fluid if necessary.
3. Visually inspect the Output Speed Sensor connector and wiring harness for any obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. The sensor is located on top of the transmission case.
4. Connect a scan tool and monitor the live data for the Output Speed Sensor (OSS) and Input Speed Sensor (ISS). With the engine running and in gear (wheels safely off the ground), the ISS should show RPMs. The OSS reading should increase smoothly with wheel speed. If it remains at 0, there is a problem with the circuit.
5. If the scan tool shows no signal, disconnect the sensor and use a digital multimeter to test for proper voltage and ground at the connector.
6. If power and ground are present, test the sensor itself. Check the resistance across the sensor's terminals and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. If it is out of spec, the sensor is faulty.
7. If the sensor tests good but there is no signal, there is likely a break in the signal wire between the sensor and the TCM. Perform a continuity test on the signal wire.
8. If all wiring and the sensor test good, the issue may be with the Transmission Control Module (TCM), though this is uncommon.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Automatic Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OEM #25191113) — This sensor is the most common failure point for a P0722 code, as it directly measures the speed that the computer is no longer seeing.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine Parts, Dorman
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — P0700 is a general code indicating that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has detected a fault and has requested the Check Engine Light to be turned on. It will almost always be present alongside a more specific transmission code like P0722.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP5058A: A GM bulletin from Jan 2013 placing the TCM, valve body, and torque converter for the 2013 Spark on a parts restriction to gather quality data on failures. This does not directly address P0722 but shows early concern with transmission components.
• PIP5732A: A GM bulletin for 2014-2015 Sparks warning that DTCs can be set after transmission replacement due to a cracked TCM X2 connector, which can cause wiring and connection issues.
• Bulletin #PIP5473: A manufacturer service bulletin notes that technicians may find DTC P0722 alongside other speed sensor codes like P0721 and P0717, and should follow published Service Information diagnostics first.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Experience with Limp Mode: An owner of a 2013 Spark on the 2CarPros forum reported the car would go into limp mode intermittently due to code P0722. This confirms the direct link between the code and this specific failure mode on this vehicle.
• Live Data Diagnosis Confirmation: A YouTube video by 'SemperFi Mechanic' diagnosing a 2013 Spark with P0700 and P0722 clearly demonstrates using a scan tool to view live data. The input shaft speed sensor showed RPMs, while the output shaft speed sensor was stuck at zero, confirming the fault in the OSS circuit without needing to physically test the sensor initially.
🎬 Watch a mobile mechanic diagnose this exact Spark issue
• TCM Connector Vulnerability: → Shop Transmission Wiring Harness GM issued a Preliminary Information bulletin (PIP5732A) for 2014-2015 Sparks, noting that various transmission DTCs could be set after a transmission replacement. The cause was identified as a potentially cracked TCM X2 connector from moving the harness during the repair. While P0722 is not explicitly listed, this highlights a known weak point in the transmission wiring harness that could cause this code.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Output Speed Sensor (OSS) Signal Voltage — expected: Pulsing AC or square wave voltage that increases with speed.. Failure: A constant voltage signal less than 0.2V or greater than 2.7V for more than 100 milliseconds.
• Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 5 Ω. Failure: Resistance reading higher than 5 Ω, indicating a poor ground connection.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Tech Tool): TCM Reprogramming — Required for 2014-2015 models under service campaign 15571 to update the TCM software. This update prevents harsh shifting events that could damage the CVT drive pulley and belt, which could potentially be related to sensor signal interpretation.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G112 — Attached to the rear of the left cylinder head.. This is a primary engine and transmission-related ground. A loose or corroded connection at G112 can cause erratic behavior or a complete loss of signal from various sensors, including the transmission speed sensors, leading to codes like P0722.
• Input and Output Speed Sensor Connectors — On top of the transmission case.. The connectors for the input and output speed sensors are identical and located near each other. They can be accidentally swapped during service, which will cause a P0722 code because the TCM receives an irrational signal from the OSS position.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube - 'Hands On Auto Training' (2015 Chevrolet Spark) — Speedometer not working, transmission VSS signal issues, no communication with instrument cluster and TCM on pre-scan.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis was confusing because service information and wiring diagrams used inconsistent names for the sensors (Vehicle Speed Sensor, Transmission Speed Sensor, Primary/Secondary Speed Pulley).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The electrical connectors for the input speed sensor and the output speed sensor had been swapped. The plugs are identical and can be easily mixed up. Swapping them back to their correct sensors resolved the issue.
• NHTSA ODI #10926749 — An owner reported a diagnostic check showing codes P0700 and P0722 at 51,340 miles. Even after the speed sensor was replaced, the vehicle continued to code for P0722, leading to a dealership inspection.
• NHTSA ODI #11496008 — A report describes a "no signal" condition for the speed sensor (P0722) occurring alongside pressure solenoid performance codes (P0796).
• NHTSA ODI #11686435 — An owner experienced rough shifting that progressed into check engine lights with codes P0722 and P0700 after slowing down or coming to a stop.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 25191113 → None found — N/A
  Heads up: The same part number 25191113 is often listed for both the Input and Output speed sensors, which contributes to the confusion and potential for swapping connectors.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014: The original TCM software on 2014 models was programmed to aggressively shift to the low gear on deceleration, causing increased wear on the CVT belt and pulleys. GM issued a technical service bulletin (PI1309) and later a service campaign (15571) to update the firmware to prefer staying in high gear, which became standard on 2015 models. While not a direct cause of P0722, the harsh shifting could potentially stress components and wiring.
• 2013: The 2013 model year Spark used a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission, not the Jatco CVT7. In 2014, the 4-speed was replaced by the CVT. Therefore, the causes and diagnostics for a P0722 on a 2013 model would differ significantly from the 2014-2015 CVT-equipped models.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• CVT Transmission Failure 🔴 High → Shop Transmission Assembly — A significant number of owners report issues like slipping, hesitation, and outright failure, often occurring around 60,000-80,000 miles.
• Underwhelming Air Conditioning Performance 🟡 Low — Common complaint that the A/C struggles to cool the cabin effectively, especially at idle or in very hot weather, sometimes appearing at very low mileage.
• Corroding Secondary Hood Latch 🔴 High — Widespread enough to cause a safety recall. The latch can corrode and fail to engage properly, risking the hood opening while driving. (Ref: Recall #A222359300 (NHTSA #22V640000))
• Hesitation on Acceleration 🟠 Medium — Owners report a noticeable lag or hesitation when accelerating from a stop or a slow roll, which can be a safety concern in traffic. This is often related to the CVT's behavior.
• Radio Software Glitches 🟡 Low — A recall was issued for the 'Bring Your Own Media' radio, which could fail to provide audible warning chimes for seatbelts or key-in-ignition. (Ref: Recall #45340 (NHTSA #16V257000))

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used wiring harness pigtail from a junkyard is a reasonable choice if only the connector is damaged. For the sensor itself, buying new is strongly recommended due to the low cost of aftermarket parts and the electronic nature of the failure.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 75000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a wiring pigtail, ensure the plastic is not brittle and the locking tab is intact.
• Check for any signs of corrosion on the connector pins.
• Ensure at least 6 inches of wire is available to allow for proper splicing.

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

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) - Due to programming requirements, a new or properly reprogrammed OEM unit is the only reliable option.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco Professional / GM Genuine Parts

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Dorman - While Dorman makes a replacement, forum discussions frequently cite lower quality and higher failure rates for their electronic components compared to OEM or ACDelco Professional parts.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0700 — A general transmission control system malfunction code that is expected to accompany P0722 in the Chevrolet Spark.
• P0715 — Relates to the Input Speed Sensor (ISS); often monitored alongside P0722 to differentiate between input and output shaft speed failures.

Frequently Asked Questions