Theory Of Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor is a variable resistor also known as a Thermistor. The temperature of the Transmission fluid can affect a variety of electronically controlled transmission operations such as shift quality, torque converter lock-up and when certain OBDII system diagnostic tests are performed. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) substitutes a calculated transmission temperature value if a fault is detected with the Transmission Temperature Sensor.