P0723 means Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent. The output shaft speed signal is dropping out intermittently. It is a generic OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on any make, but the most likely cause varies by engine; confirm with a scan tool and the service information for your vehicle before buying parts.
What P0723 means
Electronically controlled automatics are run by a transmission control module (TCM), a separate box or part of the engine computer. It reads speed sensors, the range sensor and fluid temperature to decide when to shift, and drives solenoids that apply clutches and the torque converter clutch. Many basic code readers only show the generic P0700; a scan tool that reads the transmission module shows the specific fault. Check fluid level and condition first, since low or burnt fluid causes many transmission codes.
P0723 symptoms
- Speedometer dropping to zero
- Erratic shifts
- Cruise control cutting out
Common causes of P0723
- Loose or corroded connector
- Wiring damage near the tail housing
- Failing sensor
How to diagnose P0723
- Wiggle-test the wiring
- Inspect and clean the connector
- Watch output speed while driving
Can you drive with P0723?
Short distances; the speedometer may be unreliable.
P0723 tips
On many trucks the output sensor feeds the speedometer, so a speedometer that drops to zero is a strong clue. Oil-soaked or corroded connectors near the tail housing are common; clean and reseal them, and route the wiring away from the exhaust and driveshaft.
Will P0723 clear itself?
If the fault stops, the computer turns off the check engine light by itself after several drive cycles without seeing it again, and the code stays in memory as history for a while. Clearing P0723 with a scan tool after a repair is fine, but if the cause is still there the code returns, sometimes within one drive. Disconnecting the battery also clears codes on most vehicles, but it erases learned fuel trims and idle settings as well.
Related codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0722 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
Guides that help
When it is more than a sensor
If the fault turns out to be internal (worn clutches, a failed converter or a damaged valve body), compare a rebuild with a replacement in transmission rebuild vs replacement and transmission replacement cost, identify your unit with what transmission do I have?, and browse our transmissions.
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