P0722 Code: Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal

There are various reasons for a check engine light. Once you plug in a scan tool and get a P0722 code, it could mean that a component in your transmission called the output speed sensor is having issues. 

What Does P0722 Mean? 

The P0722 code stands for “output speed sensor no signal.” It means that the powertrain control module (PCM) is detecting that the transmission system’s output speed sensor isn’t sending sufficient information.

The PCM needs information about the transmission input and output shaft rotation to properly control the shift solenoids. These solenoids control the fluid between hydraulic circuits and are responsible for changing gears at the correct timing. Additionally, some vehicle and transmission configurations may also use the output speed sensor to control the speedometer reading and other outputs.

If you’re accustomed to seeing certain RPM readings on your dash tachometer while the vehicle is shifting gears during acceleration and then you notice from the sound and the instruments that something isn’t right, you’re pretty much doing what the ECM/PCM is doing.

The P0722 code is triggered if the PCM isn’t receiving a proper speed signal from the output speed sensor for a reason. If the PCM isn’t able to detect the desired difference in the rotational speed of the input RPM sensor and the transmission output speed sensor, then further transmission damage could occur. When there’s an unusual discrepancy in rotational speeds, it implies that the transmission is slipping and there is a transmission issue causing the slippage. The P0722 code can affect Ford, Hyundai, and Honda vehicles. 

For a background on the group of codes P0722 belongs to, read our quick note about 700 series codes. Our technical explanation of speed inputs and DTC codes can also help you more fully understand P0722.

What are the Possible Causes of the P0722 Code? 

Given the definition of the code, a defective output speed sensor is one of the main causes. But the P0722 code can also be triggered by the following: 

• Defective output speed sensor wiring or connector
• Defectiveshift solenoids
• Defective transmission valve body
• Internal transmission failure
• An issue with the PCM or transmission control module (TCM), such as software in need of an update 

What are the Common Symptoms of the P0722 Code? 

The transmission output speed sensor provides information about the transmission output shaft’s rotation speed. When this component fails, your vehicle may have engine and transmission-related issues because the PCM is missing information required to make the engine and transmission run in sync. These issues include:

• Poor fuel economy
• Check engine light
• Transmission failing to shift
• Rough shifts 
• PCM puts the vehicle into limp mode
• Incorrect or erratic speedometer reading 

How to Diagnose P0722 Code

Sometimes, your vehicle can show common symptoms like rough shifts and check engine lights while you’re driving. However, determining which specific component is the cause can be tricky, since it could be many different parts. To get a proper diagnosis, you may want to leave the task to a professional. You can check out the videos below to learn more about what the troubleshooting process might involve. 

How to Fix the P0722 Code

Once you’ve identified the OBD-II code using your scan tool, there isn’t usually an all-encompassing fix for the issue you’ve identified. There’s usually a variety of possible causes, which means that there are also many different solutions. But you’ll need to correctly diagnose the problem before you can start to repair your vehicle. You can consult a repair manual or online repair database to help you find a possible solution. 

All vehicles are different. Thus, you should consult the appropriate repair information before you troubleshoot and repair the underlying issues behind diagnostic trouble codes.