Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The circuit for the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A is not sending any signal. This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code that applies to all vehicles made in 1996 or later (Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, VW, etc.). Although it is a generic code, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
What does that mean?
When encountering trouble code P0717, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected no voltage output from the circuit of the input (or turbine) speed sensor designated as A. The input and turbine speed sensors have similar designs and purposes, but manufacturers use different terms to describe them.
The input/turbine speed sensor is typically a 3-wire, electromagnetic sensor used to monitor the transmission’s input speed, which is identified by the PCM as revolutions per minute (RPMs). The sensor is usually mounted with a bolt/stud or threaded directly into the transmission case, near the rear of the bell housing at the transmission input shaft.
Permanently attached to the transmission main (or input) shaft are specially designed grooves or a notched reluctor wheel. As the engine transfers RPMs to the transmission, the input shaft (or reluctor wheel) spins and passes close to the sensor. The steel shaft (or reluctor wheel) completes an electronic/electromagnetic circuit. The circuit is interrupted as the grooved (or notched) areas pass by the sensor, creating an electronic pattern. The PCM receives this pattern as a waveform and interprets it as the transmission’s input/turbine speed.
To determine the desired input RPM speed, the transmission’s input/turbine speed is compared with the engine RPM speed, percentage of engine load, and transmission output speed. If the actual input/turbine speed or system circuit voltage does not match the desired input/turbine speed or the manufacturer’s specified voltage, a code P0717 will be stored (and a malfunction lamp may illuminate).
Symptoms
The P0717 code indicates a complete loss of circuit voltage for the input/turbine speed sensor. Symptoms of a P0717 code may include:
Causes
Possible causes for this code to be set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) specific to your vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known solution provided by the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during diagnosis.
For diagnosing the P0717 code, you will need a manufacturer’s service manual, an advanced diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and possibly an oscilloscope.
Experienced technicians usually begin by visually inspecting the system’s wiring and connectors. Any shorted or open circuits and/or connectors must be repaired or replaced before proceeding. It is also important to inspect the battery, battery cables, and cable ends, and test the alternator output.
Next, connect the scanner to the diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes. Write them down for future reference and make note of the freeze frame data as well.
If there are input sensor and output sensor codes present, use the scanner data stream to determine which circuit is malfunctioning. To retrieve the most accurate data from the scanner, narrow the data stream to include only relevant information.
Excessive metal debris on the magnetic contacts of the input and/or output speed sensors can cause sensor malfunctions. When removing the sensor, clean excessive debris from the magnetic surfaces before reinstalling. Also, inspect the interruption grooves and/or reluctor wheel notches for signs of damage or wear.
You can use the DVOM to test the resistance and circuit voltage of individual sensors. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications (found in the service manual or through All Data) and replace sensors that do not comply with the manufacturer’s specifications.
It is important to disconnect related controllers before testing resistance or continuity using the DVOM to avoid controller failure.
If a code P0717 is stored and all system circuits and sensors are in proper working order and comply with the manufacturer’s specifications, suspect a faulty PCM or a PCM programming error.
Additional diagnostic notes:
