Skip to content
Skanyx
DTC/P0720

P0720 : Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer
Elevee GraviteConduite deconseilleeTransmission

P0720 means the transmission control module is not receiving a proper signal from the output speed sensor. This sensor measures how fast the transmission output shaft rotates, which determines vehicle speed and helps the TCM calculate gear ratios and shift points.

Cout de reparation estimeDe 85 € a 350 €+, varie selon le vehicule

Que signifie P0720 ?

P0720 means the transmission control module is not receiving a proper signal from the output speed sensor. This sensor measures how fast the transmission output shaft rotates, which determines vehicle speed and helps the TCM calculate gear ratios and shift points.

P0720 est un code defaut lie a transmission, classe en gravite high. Lorsque le calculateur de ton vehicule detecte cette condition, il enregistre P0720 et allume le voyant moteur.

Quels sont les symptomes de P0720 ?

Si ton vehicule a declenche P0720, tu peux remarquer un ou plusieurs de ces symptomes :

  • Check engine light and transmission warning light on
  • Speedometer not working or reading incorrectly
  • Harsh or delayed gear shifts
  • Transmission stuck in limp mode
  • ABS or traction control warning lights on
  • Cruise control disabled

Quelles sont les causes de P0720 ?

Voici les causes les plus courantes de P0720, classees selon la probabilite qu'elles soient en cause :

eleveeFaulty output speed sensor
moyenneDamaged or corroded sensor wiring
moyenneContaminated or low transmission fluid
faibleDamaged tone ring/reluctor on output shaft
faibleTCM fault

Peut-on rouler sans risque avec P0720 ?

Non, regle ca immediatement. Without a valid output speed signal, the transmission cannot manage shift timing and the speedometer may read incorrectly. This affects ABS and stability control systems as well. Drive only to a garage.

Comment diagnostique-t-on P0720 ?

Suis ces etapes pour identifier la cause profonde de P0720 :

  1. Check if the speedometer is working. A dead speedometer alongside P0720 strongly points to the output speed sensor, since both the transmission and instrument cluster rely on this signal.
  2. Locate the output speed sensor on the transmission housing (typically near the tail shaft or differential housing). Inspect the connector for corrosion, loose pins, or damage.
  3. Measure sensor resistance with a multimeter and compare to manufacturer specifications (typically 300-1200 ohms). Also check for signal voltage while spinning the sensor manually if accessible.
  4. Use a scanner to monitor live data and compare input speed versus output speed readings. The output speed should correlate with vehicle speed and the current gear ratio.
  5. If the sensor and wiring test normal, inspect the transmission fluid for metal contamination. Debris on the magnetic sensor tip can cause signal distortion.

Combien coute la reparation de P0720 ?

Les couts de reparation de P0720 varient selon la cause profonde et ton vehicule. Voici des estimations courantes :

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Output speed sensor replacement €25–€120 €60–€200 €85–€320 Moderee
Sensor wiring repair €15–€60 €80–€180 €95–€240 Moderee
Transmission fluid and filter change €50–€150 €80–€200 €130–€350 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

P0720 sur des vehicules specifiques

P0720 se comporte differemment selon ton vehicule. Selectionne ta voiture ci-dessous pour des causes propres au modele, les problemes connus et des estimations de couts ajustees :

Mercedes-Benz

P0720 sur Mercedes C-Class

2007-2024

The W204 and W205 C-Class with the 722.9 (7G-Tronic) transmission uses a speed sensor integrated into the conductor plate. P0720 on these models typically means the conductor plate is failing and the entire unit needs replacement. Individual sensor replacement is not possible on the 722.9.

Quelles sont les causes de P0720 sur une Mercedes C-Class ?

Mercedes C-Class722.9 conductor plate integrated sensor failure
Mercedes C-ClassConductor plate electrical connector degradation

Cout de reparation de P0720 pour Mercedes C-Class

Couts estimes pour les proprietaires de Mercedes C-Classajuste a la hausse par rapport a la moyenne en raison du prix des pieces specifiques a Mercedes-Benz

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Output speed sensor replacement €38–€180 €90–€300 €128–€480 Moderee
Sensor wiring repair €23–€90 €120–€270 €143–€360 Moderee
Transmission fluid and filter change €75–€225 €120–€300 €195–€525 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

Opel

P0720 sur Opel Astra

2004-2023

The Astra H and J with the Aisin AF17/AF22 automatic transmission trigger P0720 due to the output speed sensor failing from heat exposure. The sensor is located at the bottom of the transmission and is easy to access. A straightforward and inexpensive repair on these models.

Quelles sont les causes de P0720 sur une Opel Astra ?

Opel AstraAF17/AF22 output speed sensor heat degradation
Opel AstraSensor connector corrosion from road spray

Cout de reparation de P0720 pour Opel Astra

Couts estimes pour les proprietaires de Opel Astraajuste a la baisse par rapport a la moyenne en raison du prix des pieces specifiques a Opel

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Output speed sensor replacement €20–€96 €48–€160 €68–€256 Moderee
Sensor wiring repair €12–€48 €64–€144 €76–€192 Moderee
Transmission fluid and filter change €40–€120 €64–€160 €104–€280 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

Skoda

P0720 sur Skoda Octavia

2004-2024

Octavia models with the DQ200 and DQ250 DSG transmissions share the same output speed sensor design as the VW Golf. On DSG models, the sensor is part of the mechatronic unit, making individual replacement more complex. The conventional 6-speed Aisin automatic used in some Octavias has an externally mounted sensor that is simpler to replace.

Quelles sont les causes de P0720 sur une Skoda Octavia ?

Skoda OctaviaDQ200/DQ250 mechatronic speed sensor failure
Skoda OctaviaAisin automatic external sensor corrosion

Cout de reparation de P0720 pour Skoda Octavia

Couts estimes pour les proprietaires de Skoda Octaviaajuste a la hausse par rapport a la moyenne en raison du prix des pieces specifiques a Skoda

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Output speed sensor replacement €28–€132 €66–€220 €94–€352 Moderee
Sensor wiring repair €17–€66 €88–€198 €105–€264 Moderee
Transmission fluid and filter change €55–€165 €88–€220 €143–€385 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

Ford

P0720 sur Ford Focus

2005-2022

Focus Mk2 models with the 4F27E automatic and Mk3 models with the Powershift DCT can both trigger P0720. On the 4F27E, the output shaft sensor is externally mounted and cheap to replace. On the Powershift, the sensor is internal to the TCM housing and failure often requires TCM replacement.

Quelles sont les causes de P0720 sur une Ford Focus ?

Ford Focus4F27E output shaft sensor wear
Ford FocusPowershift DCT internal TCM speed sensor failure

Ces codes apparaissent souvent avec P0720 ou indiquent des problemes connexes :

P0700P0715P0721P0722P0723

Questions frequentes sur P0720

What does P0720 mean?

P0720 means the output speed sensor on your transmission is not sending a valid signal. This sensor measures how fast the output shaft spins, which tells the car its road speed and helps the transmission decide when to shift.

Can P0720 cause my speedometer to stop working?

Yes. Many vehicles use the output speed sensor signal for the speedometer. If the sensor fails, your speedometer may read zero or fluctuate wildly, and cruise control will stop working.

Is the output speed sensor easy to replace?

On most vehicles, yes. The sensor is externally mounted on the transmission case and can be replaced with basic tools. The part costs 25-120 EUR and replacement takes 30-60 minutes for a competent DIYer.

Can P0720 affect ABS and traction control?

Yes. The ABS and stability control systems use vehicle speed data. A faulty output speed sensor can trigger ABS and ESP warning lights because the system detects conflicting speed signals.

What is the difference between P0715 and P0720?

P0715 relates to the input (turbine) speed sensor at the front of the transmission, while P0720 relates to the output speed sensor at the rear. The input sensor measures engine-side speed, the output sensor measures wheel-side speed.

Skanyx

Scanne ta voiture avec Skanyx pour diagnostiquer P0720

Branche un adaptateur OBD2 Bluetooth standard, scanne les codes et obtiens un diagnostic par IA avec niveaux de gravite et estimations des couts de reparation.

Telecharger Skanyx