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DTC/P0720

P0720: Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer
Alta GravitàNon sicuro da guidareTrasmissione

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.

Costo di riparazione stimatoDa €85 a €350+, varia in base al veicolo

Cosa significa 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 è un codice diagnostico di guasto relativo a trasmissione, classificato con gravità high. Quando la centralina (ECU) del tuo veicolo rileva questa condizione, memorizza P0720 e accende la spia motore.

Quali sono i sintomi di P0720?

Se il tuo veicolo ha attivato P0720, potresti notare uno o più di questi sintomi:

  • 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

Cosa causa P0720?

Ecco le cause più comuni di P0720, ordinate in base alla probabilità che siano la causa del problema:

altaFaulty output speed sensor
mediaDamaged or corroded sensor wiring
mediaContaminated or low transmission fluid
bassaDamaged tone ring/reluctor on output shaft
bassaTCM fault

È sicuro guidare con P0720?

No, risolvi subito il problema. 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.

Come si diagnostica P0720?

Segui questi passaggi per individuare la causa principale di 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.

Quanto costa riparare P0720?

I costi di riparazione di P0720 variano a seconda della causa principale e del tuo veicolo. Ecco le stime tipiche:

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Output speed sensor replacement €25–€120 €60–€200 €85–€320 Moderata
Sensor wiring repair €15–€60 €80–€180 €95–€240 Moderata
Transmission fluid and filter change €50–€150 €80–€200 €130–€350 Moderata

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

P0720 su veicoli specifici

P0720 si comporta in modo diverso a seconda del tuo veicolo. Seleziona la tua auto qui sotto per cause specifiche del modello, problemi noti e stime dei costi adeguate:

Mercedes-Benz

P0720 su 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.

Cosa causa P0720 su una Mercedes C-Class?

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

Costo di riparazione di P0720 per Mercedes C-Class

Costi stimati per i proprietari di Mercedes C-Classadeguato al rialzo rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici Mercedes-Benz

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Output speed sensor replacement €38–€180 €90–€300 €128–€480 Moderata
Sensor wiring repair €23–€90 €120–€270 €143–€360 Moderata
Transmission fluid and filter change €75–€225 €120–€300 €195–€525 Moderata

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Opel

P0720 su 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.

Cosa causa P0720 su una Opel Astra?

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

Costo di riparazione di P0720 per Opel Astra

Costi stimati per i proprietari di Opel Astraadeguato al ribasso rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici Opel

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Output speed sensor replacement €20–€96 €48–€160 €68–€256 Moderata
Sensor wiring repair €12–€48 €64–€144 €76–€192 Moderata
Transmission fluid and filter change €40–€120 €64–€160 €104–€280 Moderata

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Skoda

P0720 su 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.

Cosa causa P0720 su una Skoda Octavia?

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

Costo di riparazione di P0720 per Skoda Octavia

Costi stimati per i proprietari di Skoda Octaviaadeguato al rialzo rispetto alla media a causa dei prezzi dei ricambi specifici Skoda

Riparazione Costo dei ricambi Costo della manodopera Stima totale Difficoltà fai-da-te
Output speed sensor replacement €28–€132 €66–€220 €94–€352 Moderata
Sensor wiring repair €17–€66 €88–€198 €105–€264 Moderata
Transmission fluid and filter change €55–€165 €88–€220 €143–€385 Moderata

Prezzi stimati al March 2026. I costi variano in base alla regione, al veicolo e all'officina.

Ford

P0720 su 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.

Cosa causa P0720 su una Ford Focus?

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

Questi codici compaiono spesso insieme a P0720 o indicano problemi correlati:

P0700P0715P0721P0722P0723

Domande frequenti su 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.

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