P0713: How to Diagnose & Fix — Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input
2 vehicles · 1 makes
How to diagnose and fix P0713: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Audi A3 · 2009–2010
If your Audi A3 is a 2009 or 2010 model built with the DSG dual-clutch automatic, it may fall under NHTSA recall 09V333000. The defect is in the wiring harness for a temperature sensor inside the gearbox: some connector wires were insufficiently crimped at the factory. That weak crimp can cause the sensor to falsely detect high gearbox oil temperature, and the transmission protects itself by abruptly shifting to neutral. The driver's first clue is the selector lever position indicator flashing in the instrument panel along with the "depress brake pedal" warning light, which prompts the driver to apply the brake. NHTSA's stated consequence is blunt — an abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning, since drive can be lost mid-manoeuvre. Affected cars were manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. About 16,000 vehicles were covered campaign-wide across all models included, a figure that spans the whole recall rather than the A3 specifically.
Common Symptoms
- Abrupt shift into neutral with no warning
- Flashing selector lever position indicator in the instrument cluster
- "Depress brake pedal" indicator illuminated
- Vehicle loses drive while under way
How to Fix
Audi dealers perform the fix free of charge by reprogramming the transmission control module with updated software, so a false temperature reading no longer triggers the shift to neutral. This is a software flash, not a mechanical teardown, and it is typically a short shop visit. The recall began October 20, 2009 and remains claimable on any car never repaired. Check your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if 09V333000 is still listed as open, and contact Volkswagen Group at 1-800-822-8987 if a dealer questions eligibility.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi TT · 2009–2009
On affected 2009 TT direct-shift gearboxes, insufficiently crimped temperature-sensor wires can falsely report high oil temperature and cause the transmission to shift abruptly into neutral.
Common Symptoms
- Abrupt shift to neutral
- Flashing selector-position indicator
- Depress-brake-pedal warning
How to Fix
Check the VIN and campaign history. Audi dealers reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge under recall 09V333. If the gear indicator flashes or neutral engages unexpectedly, stop safely.
Sources for this issue (1)
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P0713 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0713 mean?
P0713 stands for "Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit High Input." This code means the transmission computer detected an abnormally high voltage from the transmission fluid temperature (TFT) sensor, which usually corresponds to an open circuit or a sensor reading an unrealistically cold temperature. The TFT sensor lets the controller adapt shift timing and torque converter lockup based on fluid temperature. A bad reading can cause harsh or delayed shifts and may default the transmission to a protective mode.
What are the most common causes of P0713?
The most common causes of P0713 are: Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor, Open circuit in the sensor wiring, Corroded or loose internal transmission connector, Low transmission fluid level, Internal harness damage inside the transmission, TCM/PCM circuit fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0713?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by P0713?
Au7o has documented P0713 across 2 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Audi.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.