Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is a thermistor-type sensor that varies a reference voltage signal. The resistance in the TFT varies with temperature. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the voltage signal across the TFT and uses this information to determine the transmission fluid temperature.
The TFT is located on the solenoid body.
The PCM uses the TFT signal to help determine shift scheduling, torque converter clutch operation and pressure control requirements.

It sends a voltage signal to the PCM. The voltage signal varies with transmission fluid temperature. The PCM uses this signal to determine whether a cold start shift schedule is necessary. The shift schedule is compensated when the transmission fluid temperature is cold. The PCM also inhibits torque converter clutch (TCC) operation at low transmission fluid temperatures and use to determine pressure control (PC) solenoid operations.