Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor is located on the transaxle main control body. It has a temperature-sensitive device called a thermistor. The resistance value of the TFT will vary with temperature fluctuation. The PCM monitors the voltage across the TFT to determine the temperature of the transmission fluid.
The PCM uses this initial signal to determine whether a cold start shift schedule is necessary. The cold start shift schedule allows quicker shifts when the transmission fluid temperature is cold. The PCM also inhibits torque converter clutch operation at low transmission fluid temperatures. The TFT sensor corrects EPC pressure for different fluid temperatures.