Circuit Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The automatic transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a negative coefficient thermistor whose resistance value changes based on temperature. The PCM provides a 5 volt reference to the sensor circuit. A high fluid temperature or a short to ground on the signal circuit results in low signal voltage. The TFT sensor operating range is -40 to +151°C (-40 to +304°F).
If the PCM detects a continuous short to ground in the TFT sensor signal circuit, then DTC P0712 sets. DTC P0712 is a type C DTC.