P0720: Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
Short answer: P0720 means “Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction”. It is a standard OBD-II code, so the basic meaning is the same on every car. Below is what it means on each of the 6 cars we cover, with a link to the full page for each car.
Standard OBD-II code Same meaning on all cars (SAE J2012).
P0720 on each car
| Car | Meaning on this car | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Passo (1st gen) | No output revolution input (P0720/42) | high |
| Toyota Corolla (11th gen, E170) | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction | medium |
| Toyota Corolla (10th gen, E140) | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction | medium |
| Honda City (5th gen, GM2) | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction | medium |
| Honda Civic (10th gen, FC) | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction | medium |
| Suzuki Wagon R (Pakistan, K10B) | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction | medium |
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Delayed shifts
- Speedometer not working
Likely causes
- Output shaft speed sensor
- Electrical wiring or connections
- Transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Diagnostic / Repair Steps 5.- The OSS sensor operates by passing an electrical current through the sensor, as the reluctor ring or gear on the end of the transmission output…
- If the resistance is out of range or over limit (OL), replace the sensor. Check for power going into the sensor, and at the PCM harness connector…
What to check, in order
- Read the code with a scanner that can read the gearbox computer
- Check the gearbox fluid level and condition with the correct procedure
- Check the connector and wiring at the gearbox
- Have a gearbox specialist confirm before replacing parts
Causes and checks above are the general meaning. The exact test steps and values differ by car: open your car’s page.