P0738: TCM engine-speed output — electrical signal low — what it means, the affected system and what to check before replacing parts.
Meaning, symptoms, causes and checks
The monitor for TCM engine-speed output reports an electrical value below its permitted range, not necessarily a physically low speed or pressure. This is the output from the transmission controller, not automatically the original engine-speed sensor input.
Affected system: Transmission controller signal outputs
Symptoms
- Warning light may illuminate
- Related system function may be impaired
- Vehicle-specific symptoms vary
Possible causes
- Mechanical timing or operating issue, sensor or actuator fault, connector or wiring damage
- Related wiring, connector, power or ground fault
- Vehicle-specific mechanical or control issue
What to check
- Record stored and pending codes and freeze-frame data
- Record freeze-frame conditions; compare relevant live data and inspect mechanical operation, wiring and related fault codes before replacing parts.
- Confirm measured values against the vehicle service information
- Retest under the conditions that set the code
- Record freeze-frame conditions; compare relevant live data and inspect mechanical operation, wiring and related fault codes before replacing parts.
- Repair the verified cause and confirm the code does not return
Also written as: P0738-00, P073800, PO738 (some scan tools add the fault-type byte, e.g. -00).