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Car Forum / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / November 2007

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99 durango PO720 engine code

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mrs.nospam@gmail.com - 12 Jul 2005 03:01 GMT
I have a 1999 5.2 2wd durango with 118,600 miles.  Recently the check
engine light came on and has stayed on.  Now I don't notice any change
in driving.  Shop which gave the code said it could be:

1) torque converter
2) front transmission oil pump
3) torque converter clutch solenoid or transmission

A quick google search said this could just be a bad speed sensor.  Any
ideas?
Tom Lawrence - 12 Jul 2005 03:20 GMT
> in driving.  Shop which gave the code said it could be:
>
> 1) torque converter
> 2) front transmission oil pump
> 3) torque converter clutch solenoid or transmission

Assuming that's the correct code that they retrieved and gave you, your shop
is looking to gouge you for cash...  P0720 is a speed sensor-related code...
meaning probably a bad output speed sensor on the transmission, something
that costs under $50 and takes about 5 minutes to replace.

Time to find another shop
RamMan@dodgecity.cc - 12 Jul 2005 03:24 GMT
>I have a 1999 5.2 2wd durango with 118,600 miles.  Recently the check
>engine light came on and has stayed on.  Now I don't notice any change
>in driving.  Shop which gave the code said it could be:

>1) torque converter
>2) front transmission oil pump
>3) torque converter clutch solenoid or transmission

>A quick google search said this could just be a bad speed sensor.  Any
>ideas?

P0720 = Output Speed Sensor Circuit

The light stayed on because once the code is detected it will remain
"latched" unless the problem does not reoccur again within the next 50
starts, in which case it will clear on its own. (the code will remain
stored but your CE light will go out).  When they read the code for you
did they offer to clear it for you?  If they had cleared it (which they
could have done quite easily) then you would know if it comes back again
that there's something needing to be looked at. At 118k miles likely
something is needing to be looked at, but the OBD-II scan tool cannot tell
you exactly what the problem (cause) is, it can only tell you that (in
this case at least) something caused the Output Speed Sensor to detect a
fault.

Yes, it could be a bad speed sensor.
mrs.nospam@gmail.com - 12 Jul 2005 03:43 GMT
Well the thing is this shop has been very good to me.  I've never been
screwed over by them and in fact they never try and do more work than
necessary.  They even said they'd only charge me 30 minutes of work
($42) since they really didn't know what was wrong.  I really do like
the people here.  Perhaps I can call back and just ask them to replace
the speed sensor.

No they didn't however offer to clear this code, I guess that's a bit
surprising.  Strange thing is a few months ago it was having a
different check engine light problem.  It would flash, ding, the oil
pressure would drop to 0 and then instantly back up.  They replaced the
oil pressure switch because that was their "best guess".  It seemed to
work temporarily but then came back a few weeks ago 2 times.

The exact information they gave me was "CODE PO720 - TORQUE CONVERTER
CLUTCH, NO RPM DROP AT LOCK UP"

I was surprised to see all the quick responses :-)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Assuming that's the correct code that they retrieved and gave you, your
shop
is looking to gouge you for cash...  P0720 is a speed sensor-related
code...
meaning probably a bad output speed sensor on the transmission,
something
that costs under $50 and takes about 5 minutes to replace.

Time to find another shop
Tom Lawrence - 12 Jul 2005 03:56 GMT
> The exact information they gave me was "CODE PO720 - TORQUE CONVERTER
> CLUTCH, NO RPM DROP AT LOCK UP"

Okay - then they're not being dishonest, they just looked something up
wrong.  P0720 is an OBD-II standard code, meaning it means the same on all
OBD-II vehicles (as opposed to a manufacturer-specific code, which could
mean different things on different vehicles), and that code refers to a
problem with an output speed sensor.
mrs.nospam@gmail.com - 12 Jul 2005 04:03 GMT
> Okay - then they're not being dishonest, they just looked something up
> wrong.  P0720 is an OBD-II standard code, meaning it means the same on all
> OBD-II vehicles (as opposed to a manufacturer-specific code, which could
> mean different things on different vehicles), and that code refers to a
> problem with an output speed sensor.

So why didn't these guys know the same information that I've gotten
here?  Should I just go back with the information you guys have given
and say that I believe it's the output speed sensor?

Again ... thanks for the response.  I was thinking I was going to have
to spend big money on my Durango.  I love this truck and want to
squeeze at least 200K out of it :-)
Tom Lawrence - 12 Jul 2005 05:00 GMT
> So why didn't these guys know the same information that I've gotten
> here?  Should I just go back with the information you guys have given
> and say that I believe it's the output speed sensor?

You should go back and ask them to re-check, because everything you've read
indicates that code is an output speed sensor malfunction, which has nothing
to do with the torque converter or pump.

> Again ... thanks for the response.  I was thinking I was going to have
> to spend big money on my Durango.

Nope - this one's most likely an easy fix.
mrs.nospam@gmail.com - 12 Jul 2005 12:27 GMT
> You should go back and ask them to re-check, because everything you've read
> indicates that code is an output speed sensor malfunction, which has nothing
> to do with the torque converter or pump.

I have a friend who rebuilds cars and has said that most of these
sensors are easy to replace.  The hardest part is knowing which one is
bad and where it is.  Is this easy enough for me to replace?  Is the
dealer the only place to get this sensor?

Since my 99 durango is getting older I'm sure I'll have more questions
like this.  Is there a site where you guys normally hang out or is this
newsgroup the best place for these type of questions?

Again thanks so much!
Tom Lawrence - 13 Jul 2005 02:42 GMT
> I have a friend who rebuilds cars and has said that most of these
> sensors are easy to replace.  The hardest part is knowing which one is
> bad and where it is.  Is this easy enough for me to replace?  Is the
> dealer the only place to get this sensor?

The sensor is very easy to replace...  it's on the driver's side of the
transmission, towards the back of the case.  It's got an electrical wire
loom going to it, with a two-pin connector at the end.  Once you unplug the
connector, the sensor unscrews, then you screw the new one in.  Very easy.

As for obtaining the sensor, there are aftermarket parts available.  SMP
(Standard Motor Products) makes one, part# SC104, and will cost you a whole
$14.43 from http://www.rockauto.com.  Your local parts store should be able
to order this as well.

> like this.  Is there a site where you guys normally hang out or is this
> newsgroup the best place for these type of questions?

This group works, but you may find more people with Durango-specific
knowledge over at http://www.durangoclub.com
mrs.nospam@gmail.com - 13 Jul 2005 16:01 GMT
I replaced the sensor last night.  I got it from a local auto parts
store for $27.  It was VERY easy to replace, I was amazed.   Saved me
some "transmission work".  Truck is running great and shifting smoother
now.  Thanks so much for your replies!

http://durangoclub.com/forum was very useful as well.  It's free to
sign up for their forums.

> The sensor is very easy to replace...  it's on the driver's side of the
> transmission, towards the back of the case.  It's got an electrical wire
> loom going to it, with a two-pin connector at the end.  Once you unplug the
> connector, the sensor unscrews, then you screw the new one in.  Very easy.
jsmall - 04 Nov 2007 18:54 GMT
Tom,

Wanted to extend a thanks!  I have a 99 Durango and got the P0720
code (less than a week after I had to have it smogged).  I did a google
search and this thread came up.  It was the sensor -I bought it at a Kragens
for $18!  Your description of location was great - there are 2 wires entering
the trans - one forward, one aft.  Would like to send you a small
appreciation.  If you see this you can email me at joel[at]smallweb[dot]org.

Either way, great post and thanks!  Joel

>> I have a friend who rebuilds cars and has said that most of these
>> sensors are easy to replace.  The hardest part is knowing which one is
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>This group works, but you may find more people with Durango-specific
>knowledge over at http://www.durangoclub.com
miles - 12 Jul 2005 04:08 GMT
> The exact information they gave me was "CODE PO720 - TORQUE CONVERTER
> CLUTCH, NO RPM DROP AT LOCK UP"
>
> I was surprised to see all the quick responses :-)

Torque converter lockup is pretty easy to test.  Drive on the highway at
a steady speed.  Tap the brake pedal very lightly just for a second.
This will cause the TC to unlock causing the RPM's to go up about 200
then immediatly drop back down if things are working normally.
Max Dodge - 12 Jul 2005 03:26 GMT
> in driving.  Shop which gave the code said it could be:
>
> 1) torque converter

Torque converter has no sensors, and cannot throw a code.

> 2) front transmission oil pump

Pump has no sensors, and cannot throw a code.

> 3) torque converter clutch solenoid or transmission

TCC solenoid can cause a code, but a corresponding change in drivability
should occur.

> A quick google search said this could just be a bad speed sensor.  Any
> ideas?

I'd go with that. Tom Lawrence seems to be on top of the codes and could
tell you for sure.
Signature

Max

Give a man a match, and he is warm for a short while. Light him on fire, and
he is warm for the rest of his life.

>I have a 1999 5.2 2wd durango with 118,600 miles.  Recently the check
> engine light came on and has stayed on.  Now I don't notice any change
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> A quick google search said this could just be a bad speed sensor.  Any
> ideas?
 
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