Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Intermittent/Erratic Circuit for Transmission Fluid Level Sensor
What does that signify?
This generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) typically applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles that have a transmission fluid level sensor. Makes of vehicles may include but are not limited to GM, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Ram, Toyota, Hyundai, etc. This code is not commonly encountered.
The transmission fluid level (TFL) sensor is utilized to activate a warning light on the dashboard in the event of low fluid level.
When the fluid level is within an acceptable range, the switch is connected to the ground. When the transmission fluid drops below a predetermined level, the switch opens and a “low transmission fluid level” warning is displayed on the dashboard.
TFL sensors receive a reference voltage from the PCM. The PCM monitors the circuit and when it detects that the switch has opened, it activates the low fluid warning on the instrument cluster.
Code P070E is triggered when the PCM identifies an intermittent issue with the transmission fluid level sensor circuit. Related codes include P070A, P070B, P070C, P070D, and P070F.
Code Severity & Symptoms
The severity of this transmission code ranges from moderate to severe. In some cases, this and related codes can indicate a low transmission fluid level, which, if left unattended, can result in transmission damage. It is advisable to address this code as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a P070E trouble code may include:
Common Causes Of This DTC Code
Possible causes for this code may include:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
Begin by checking the transmission fluid level and condition in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Next, inspect the transmission fluid level sensor and the corresponding wiring. Look for loose connections, damaged wiring, etc. If damage is found, repair as necessary, clear the code and see if it returns. Next, check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) regarding the issue. If nothing is found, you will need to proceed with step-by-step diagnosis of the system.
The following is a generalized procedure, as testing for this code varies between vehicles. To accurately test the system, you’ll want to refer to the manufacturer’s diagnostic flow chart.
Check The Wiring
Before proceeding, consult the factory wiring diagrams to determine which wires are which. Autozone offers free online repair manuals for many vehicles and ALLDATA offers single vehicle subscriptions.
Check the reference voltage side of the circuit
With the ignition on, use a digital multimeter set to DC volts to check for reference voltage (usually 5 or 12 volts) from the PCM. To do this, connect the negative meter lead to ground and the positive meter lead to the sensor B+ terminal on the harness side of the connector. If no reference signal is present, connect the meter set to ohms (with the ignition off) between the reference voltage pin on the TFL and the reference voltage pin on the PCM. If the meter reads out of limits (OL), there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired. If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity.
If everything is good up to this point, check that there is power coming out of the PCM. To do this, turn the ignition on and set the meter to DC volts. Connect the positive meter lead to the reference voltage terminal on the PCM and the negative lead to ground. If there is no reference voltage from the PCM, the PCM is probably faulty. However, PCMs rarely go bad, so it’s a good idea to double-check your work up to this point.
Check The Ground Side Of The Circuit
With the ignition off, use a digital multimeter set to ohms to check for continuity. Connect the meter between the transmission fluid level sensor ground terminal and chassis ground. If the meter reads a numeric value, there is continuity. If the meter reads out of limits (OL), there is an open circuit between the PCM and sensor that will need to be located and repaired.
Check The Sensor
If everything checks out up to this point, the sensor is probably faulty. To check this, turn the ignition off and set your multimeter to read ohms. Remove the transmission fluid level sensor connector and connect the meter to the sensor terminals. If the meter reads out of limits (OL), the sensor is internally open and should be replaced.
