DTC P0720: Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction (M/T model)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION .

Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3, 000 rpm without load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
Test-drive for several minutes.
Check the C SHAFT SPD in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Is any vehicle speed indicated?

YES: intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the ECM.

NO: Go to step 4.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor 3P connector.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Measure the voltage between output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor 3P connector terminal No. 1 and body ground.
Is there about 5 V?

YES: Go to step 8.

NO: Repair open in the wire between the ECM (C13) and the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor, then go to step 18.

Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor 3P Connector Terminal No. 1 & Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the voltage between output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor 3P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.
Is there about 5 V?

YES: Go to step 9.

NO: Go to step 10.

Fig 2: Measuring Voltage Between Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor 3P Connector Terminal No. 2 & Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the voltage between output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor 3P connector terminals No. 1 and No. 3.
Is there about 5 V?

YES: Go to step 16.

NO: Repair open in the wire between the ECM (C14) and the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor, then go to step 18.

Fig 3: Measuring Voltage Between Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor 3P Connector Terminals No. 1 & No. 3
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
Disconnect ECM connector B (49P).
Check for continuity between ECM connector terminal B38 and body ground.

Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between ECM Connector Terminal B38 & Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES: Repair short in the wire between the ECM (B38) and the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor, then go to step 18.

NO: Go to step 14.
Connect output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor 3P connector terminal No. 2 to body ground with a jumper wire.

Fig 5: Connecting Output Shaft (Countershaft) Speed Sensor 3P Connector Terminal No. 2 To Body Ground With Jumper Wire
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check for continuity between ECM connector terminal B38 and body ground.
Is there continuity?

YES: Go to step 25.

NO: Repair open in the wire between the ECM (B38) and the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor, then go to step 18.

Fig 6: Checking Continuity Between ECM Connector Terminal B38 & Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Replace the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor (see KNOCK SENSOR REPLACEMENT ).
Reconnect all connectors.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Reset the ECM with the HDS.
Do ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE .
Test-drive under these conditions:
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT SENSOR 1) above 176°F (80°C)
- Transmission in 5th gear
- Engine speed between 2, 000-3, 000 rpm
- Drive for several minutes, then decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) for 5 seconds
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0720 indicated?

YES: Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the ECM, then go to step 1.

NO: Go to step 24.
Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0720 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?

YES: Troubleshooting is complete. If any other Pending or Confirmed DTCs were indicated in step 23, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.

NO: If the HDS indicates FAILED, check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the ECM, then go to step 1. If the HDS indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 22.
Reconnect all connectors.
Update the ECM if it does not have the latest software (see ECM/PCM UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good ECM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ).
Test-drive under these conditions:
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT SENSOR 1) above 176°F (80°C)
- Transmission in 5th gear
- Engine speed between 2, 000-3, 000 rpm
- Drive for several minutes, then decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) for 5 seconds
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0720 indicated?

YES: Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the ECM. If the ECM was updated, substitute a known-good ECM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then go to step 27. If the ECM was substituted, go to step 1.

NO: Go to step 29.
Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0720 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?

YES: If the ECM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the ECM was substituted, replace the original ECM (see ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ). If any other Pending or Confirmed DTCs were indicated in step 28, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.

NO: If the HDS indicates FAILED, check for poor connections or loose terminals at the output shaft (countershaft) speed sensor and the ECM. If the ECM was updated, substitute a known-good ECM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then go to step 27. If the ECM was substituted, go to step 1. If the HDS indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 27.