P0721
Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
The transmission output speed sensor signal is implausible compared to vehicle speed and gear ratio. Sometimes set together with VSS or input-speed-sensor codes.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: No
- Repair difficulty: medium
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- Output speed sensor failedCommon
- Sensor element aged beyond calibration windowLess likely
- Sensor mounting loose - signal dampingLess likely
Parts involved
- Transmission Output Speed Sensor
- Sensor Wiring
P0721 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.