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P0723 – Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent (OBD2)

P0723 means "Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent". The transmission speed sensor signal briefly drops out or jumps. The fault comes and goes – often with vibration, heat or moisture – so the part may test fine in the workshop.

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P0723 quick summary

Fault codeP0723
MeaningOutput Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityHigh
Can I drive?Carefully and only to a workshop. The gearbox will often stay in one gear (limp mode).
Repair cost€30 – €500

How gearbox speed sensors work

Gearbox speed sensors measure input (turbine), intermediate and output shaft speed; the control unit uses them to choose gears, control shift quality and detect slipping.

The input or turbine speed sensor measures the speed coming from the torque converter; the output speed sensor measures the speed going to the wheels; some gearboxes also measure an intermediate shaft. Comparing them tells the control unit which gear is engaged and whether clutches are slipping.

Codes P0715–P0718 (input/turbine), P0720–P0723 (output) and P0791–P0794 (intermediate shaft) report circuit, range, no signal and intermittent faults.

A missing speed signal usually puts the gearbox into limp mode and can disable the speedometer and cruise control. Causes include failed sensors, metal debris on magnetic sensors, wiring and connector faults.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 17107 (P0723). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0723

  • Gearbox stuck in one gear or harsh shifts
  • Speedometer not working (output sensor)
  • Cruise control not working
  • Flare or slipping between gears
  • Check Engine or gearbox warning

Most common causes of P0723 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

If a magnetic speed sensor is covered in metal paste, clean it but also find out where the debris comes from – it may be a symptom of internal gearbox wear.

  1. 1.Loose or corroded connector pin

    Most likely

    Pins that have spread lose contact as the engine vibrates.

  2. 2.Chafed wire that shorts only now and then

    Often where the harness moves with the engine.

  3. 3.Internal intermittent fault in the transmission speed sensor

  4. 4.Failed speed sensor

  5. 5.Metal debris on the sensor tip

  6. 6.Damaged reluctor (tone) wheel

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and speed values

    Read the transmission codes and compare input, intermediate and output speeds in live data while driving slowly.

  2. 2

    Do a wiggle test

    With the engine running and the transmission speed sensor value in live data, gently move the harness and connector. If the value jumps or the code returns, the fault is in that section. Also check pin tension with a matching terminal.

  3. 3

    Inspect the sensor

    Remove the sensor (if external) and check for debris and damage.

  4. 4

    Measure the sensor

    Check the supply and signal on Hall sensors, resistance and AC output on inductive sensors.

    Multimeter: Inductive sensors: typically a few hundred ohms to about 1.5 kΩ.

  5. 5

    Check fluid for debris

    Heavy metal debris in the fluid points to internal wear causing the sensor fault.

  6. 6

    Replace and verify

    Replace the sensor or harness, clear codes and confirm normal shifting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0723?

Carefully and only to a workshop. The gearbox will often stay in one gear (limp mode).

How much does it cost to fix P0723?

Typical repair costs are 30 € – 500 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: loose or corroded connector pin; chafed wire that shorts only now and then; internal intermittent fault in the transmission speed sensor. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Can a speed sensor cause limp mode?

Yes. Without reliable speed signals, the gearbox cannot shift properly and protects itself.

Is the speedometer connected to the gearbox speed sensor?

On some cars yes (output speed sensor); on most modern cars the speedometer uses ABS wheel speed data.

What is the difference between P0723 and similar codes?

P0723 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0720 – Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction; P0721 – Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance; P0722 – Output Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal; P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit; P0792 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance; P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No signal. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.