TransmissionGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0717: no signal from the gearbox input speed sensor
P0717 means: input or turbine speed sensor “A” circuit: no signal.[1][2] The transmission control module (TCM) receives no signal from the input or turbine speed sensor, which measures the rotation of the automatic gearbox's input shaft while the car is moving. Without that data, the control unit cannot check the gear ratio, time the gear changes or manage the torque converter lock-up, according to AutoDTCs.[1][2][3]
What code P0717 means
The transmission control module (TCM) receives no signal from the input or turbine speed sensor, which measures the rotation of the automatic gearbox's input shaft while the car is moving. Without that data, the control unit cannot check the gear ratio, time the gear changes or manage the torque converter lock-up, according to AutoDTCs.[1][2][3]
TroubleCodes.net clarifies that the code usually indicates an unstable or intermittent signal, or the absence of a signal, depending on the manufacturer's programming, and that P0700 may be stored at the same time as an informational warning that the gearbox control unit has a problem.[2]
The output speed sensor is a different sensor, with its own code (P0720). AutoDTCs reminds that the two should not be confused, and that the speedometer usually keeps working because it is fed by the output sensor.[3]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit No Signal[1][2]
Causes of P0717
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Faulty input or turbine speed sensor (from wear or damage).[1][2][3][4]
- 2Damaged or open wiring, short-circuited, or corroded or water-affected connector between the sensor and the gearbox control unit; from heat or wear of the harness.[1][2][3][4]
- 3Damaged tone wheel or reluctor ring of the sensor.[3]
- 4Low or contaminated gearbox oil (affects internal operation).[3][4]
- 5Internal mechanical damage to the gearbox.[3]
- 6Faulty gearbox control unit (TCM) or one with a programming error. A rare cause according to AutoDTCs.[1][3][4]
Symptoms
- Engine fault warning light on.[1][2][3]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Abrupt or erratic shifts, gears skipped or delays when shifting.[1][2][3][4]Gears will not engage: faults that cause it
- Limp mode with only one or two gears available.[3][4]Limp mode: faults that cause it
- A feeling of the wrong gear or slipping, and a torque converter that does not lock.[3][4]
- Worse fuel consumption.[1][2][4]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0717
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Compare the live input and output speed data while driving: if the input reading is missing and the output reading is valid, the fault is in this circuit. Also check the model's technical bulletins.[1][3]
- 2Inspect the sensor, its connector and the wiring: corrosion, water, damaged terminals, chafed wires or an open circuit.[1][2][3][4]
- 3Measure the reference supply (around 5 V) and the earth of the sensor circuit with a multimeter, and the continuity with the control unit and the sensor disconnected; compare the sensor's output and resistance with the manufacturer's values.[1][2][3]
- 4Check the sensor's tone wheel for chips or contamination.[3]
- 5Check the level and condition of the gearbox oil, correct it and test again.[3][4]
- 6If the circuit is good, compare the sensor signal with the crankshaft sensor's on an oscilloscope during a road test: it should vary with engine speed. TroubleCodes.net warns that the fault may be intermittent and that the harness should be checked before replacing the sensor.[1][2]
Can I keep driving with P0717?
Garage soon
AutoDTCs rates it between moderate and high and advises driving as little as possible, because limp mode makes the car unpredictable. Rerev warns that if it is caused by a serious gearbox fault it can be serious, and that limp mode is especially dangerous at motorway speeds. The prudent course is to take it to a workshop as soon as possible.[3][4]
Documented faults related to P0717
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Automatic gearbox (torque converter and CVT): the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.0 CDI (OM640)Costly failure of the Autotronic (CVT) automatic gearboxYes: the Autotronic continuously variable gearbox, optional on the 180 CDI and 200 CDI, is the problem cited most by owners of the 140 hp version (24 of 114 testimonies) and a fault hotspot according to the ADAC up to 2006. A German source recommends avoiding it and choosing the manual gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMultitronicControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
- High severityFrequency: Common7G-Tronic / 9G-TronicConductor plate and speed sensor failure (limp mode)Yes: one of the most cited weak points of the 7G-Tronic (722.9) is the internal conductor plate, which integrates the turbine, output and intermediate-shaft speed sensors; if it fails it can trigger a limp mode with delayed shifts or harsh jerks, although it does not always require replacing the whole gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: CommonAudi A6 C6Wear and failures of the Multitronic automatic gearbox on front-wheel-drive versionsYes: on front-wheel-drive versions with the Multitronic (CVT) gearbox, gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents jerking when pulling away that can progress to complete failure, especially on older cars; fiches-auto.fr adds selector lock-ups and torque converter breakages. The quattro versions, with the Tiptronic gearbox, do not share this problem.Repair (garage): €1,000Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Faults in the CVT automatic gearbox, the manual gearbox and the clutchAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Mini R50 accumulates 22 gearbox mentions and 32 clutch mentions, and the CVT automatic variant is described as fragile and 'to be avoided'. Wikipedia confirms that the CVT and the manual gearboxes were fitted depending on the year.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Main relay of the power relay assembly (overheating and fire risk)Yes, on the first units: Hyundai and Kia recalled 2016–2018 Ioniq and Niro hybrids and plug-in hybrids because the main relay that connects the high-voltage battery could come loose, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Clutch hydraulic actuator (HCA): leak or moisture with risk of short circuit and fireYes, this is the most documented hybrid system fault: the hydraulic actuator that engages the combustion engine with the hybrid assembly has had two recalls (2018 for a leak on the Niro and 2025 for moisture in its electronic board on the Niro, Ceed and XCeed PHEV), with a risk of short circuit and fire.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
Control units and comfort electronics (BSI, SAM...): the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: CommonPeugeot 408Electronic faults with the doors, boot and screen (suspected BSI control unit)In 2025 Peugeot recalled around 60,000 2023-2024 Peugeot 308 and 408 cars (code MUV) over a software fault in the door control unit that can cause unintended opening or closing and disable the anti-trap protection on the windows; 408 owners also describe a power boot lid that will not open or close and a screen that goes black.
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIMultiplex electrical system and hands-free card faultsThe Laguna II had a reputation problem because of faults in its multiplexed electrical network: the hands-free card, the card reader and the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights came on erratically, especially in the early years of production (2001-2003).
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda MX-5 IVDC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fireA 2018 Safety Gate alert covers MX-5 ND models built between August 2014 and April 2017: the DC converter control unit could fail, cause a short circuit and damage the converter, with a risk of fire. It is a precautionary recall; check the chassis number at the official service centre.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentFiat StiloElectrical and electronic faults in the multiplex systemThe Stilo has had a reputation for widespread electrical faults since its launch: poor contacts in the multiplex wiring, an instrument cluster that switches off and sensors that disconnect, sometimes while the car is running.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between P0715 and P0717?
Both refer to the input or turbine speed sensor of the automatic gearbox. TroubleCodes.net defines P0715 as a circuit fault of the sensor in general, and P0717 as the absence of a signal.[2]
Why doesn't the speedometer fail with P0717?
Because the speedometer uses the gearbox output speed sensor, which is a different sensor. AutoDTCs states this, and CódigosDTC adds that there may be intermittent operation on some cars.[1][3]
What should I check first with a P0717?
Compare the live input and output data while driving, and check the sensor's connector and wiring. TroubleCodes.net starts by inspecting the sensor connector (corrosion, water or damaged terminals), and AutoDTCs leaves the gearbox oil check until after the electrical tests.[2][3]
Can I keep driving with P0717?
AutoDTCs asks you to minimise driving because limp mode makes the car unpredictable, and Rerev warns that this mode is especially dangerous at motorway speeds.[3][4]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0717?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[5]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0717 - Sensor de velocidad de entrada / turbina A, circuito sin señalCódigosDTC · Technical documentation · consulted 31 October 2026 · in Spanish
- P0717 trouble code - Turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor no signalTroubleCodes.net · Technical documentation · consulted 31 October 2026
- P0717 - Input Speed Sensor 1 Circuit No SignalAutoDTCs · Technical documentation · consulted 31 October 2026
- P0717 OBD2 codeRerev · Technical documentation · consulted 31 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish