Circuit Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue and 2002 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The TFT sensor is a thermistor that varies resistance according to changes in transmission fluid temperature. The TCM supplies a 5-volt reference through a pull up resistor to the sensor, which is connected to ground. When the sensor is cold it has high resistance (high signal voltage at TCM). As the sensor temperature increases, its resistance decreases (lower signal voltage at TCM). The TCM uses the signal voltage to determine transmission fluid temperature. The TCM detects for an unrealistic change in transmission temperature or a temperature that remains constant for a period of time in which a measurable change is expected. DTC P0711 will set when either condition exists for a calibrated amount of time.