P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit: Ford TSS Location by Transmission
Quick answer: P0715 is the generic OBD-II code for “Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit”. On a Ford, that sensor is the turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor, and where it sits depends on the transmission. On older units like the 4R75E (2008 F-150 4.6L) and 5R55W (2004 Explorer 4.0L), it bolts to the driver side of the transmission case and you reach it from under the vehicle. On the 6R80 six-speed (2011-era F-150), it is inside the transmission, built into the molded leadframe on the valve body. The 10R80 ten-speed also has it inside. Check the wiring and connector before you buy parts.
What Does P0715 Mean on a Ford?
P0715 means the computer has a problem with the turbine (input) speed signal. On the 4R70W/4R75E and 6R80 trucks covered here, transmission control is handled by the powertrain control module (PCM). Ford’s later TSBs say “PCM or TCM”, because some newer vehicles use a separate transmission module. Ford’s 6R80 electronic control description explains what the signal is used for. On the 6R80, the TSS is a Hall-effect sensor. The PCM compares its signal with engine speed to work out torque converter slip, and with the output shaft speed (OSS) sensor to work out the gear ratio. It also uses it for shift and torque converter clutch control and for fault detection.
Ford’s 6R80 DTC chart (2011 F-150) defines the TSS codes like this:
| Code | Ford description (6R80) | When it sets | What the truck does |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0715 | TSS sensor A circuit | No rpm from the TSS while the OSS shows rpm above 0 | MIL on, defaults to 5th gear, maximum line pressure; P0717 may also set |
| P0717 | TSS sensor A circuit no signal | No TSS signal detected during operation | Wrench light, defaults to 5th gear, maximum line pressure; sets together with P0715 |
| P0718 | TSS sensor A circuit intermittent | Intermittent (noisy) TSS signal | Wrench light, poor shift quality |
| P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A range/performance (SAE J2012) | Signal present but implausible | Varies by transmission |
Ford’s action for P0715 is to repair any more specific code first, clear the codes, and go to the TSS pinpoint test if it returns. Ford also says the PCM commands a default gear to protect the transmission when certain faults occur. On the 6R80, that is 3rd gear if the fault happens in gears 1–3, and 5th gear if it happens in gears 4–6. That is the “limp mode” drivers notice.
Where Is the Turbine Speed Sensor? Location by Ford Transmission
First find out which transmission you have. Use our Ford transmission identification chart or what transmission is in my F-150. Then use this table:
| Transmission | Example (Ford source) | Where the TSS is | Ford spec / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4R75E | 2008 F-150 4.6L (Ford) | Outside the case on the driver side, next to the digital transmission range (DTR) sensor | Bolt 11 Nm (8 lb-ft); sensor 480–590 ohms (Ford, Ford) |
| 5R55W | 2004 Explorer 4.0L (Ford) | Outside the case on the driver side, beside the intermediate shaft speed (ISS) sensor | Screw 14 Nm (10 lb-ft); 4×4 needs the front driveshaft removed (Ford) |
| 6F35 | 2010 Escape 3.0L | Outside the transaxle, reached from below after removing the LH splash shield | Bolt 10 Nm (89 lb-in); top up fluid afterward (Ford) |
| 6F50 | 2007–2008 Edge/MKX, 2008 Taurus, Taurus X, Sable | In the end cover assembly; the connector plugs into the solenoid body | Ford TSB 07-21-11, TSS part 8A8Z-7M101-A |
| 6R80 | 2011 F-150 3.5L, 3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L | Inside the transmission, on the molded leadframe bolted to the main control (valve body) | Ford’s fix for a failed sensor is a new molded leadframe (Ford) |
| 10R80 | 2017–2020 F-150, 2018–2021 Expedition/Mustang/Navigator, 2019–2023 Ranger (Ford) | Inside the transmission; one of four speed sensors (ISSA, ISSB, TSS, OSS) | Listed in Ford TSB 20-2198 teardown steps |
| 10R140 | 2020 Super Duty | Inside the transmission (the TSB lists pan gasket, filter and main control seal as parts to inspect) | Ford TSB 20-2393: replace TSS LC3Z-7M101-A, 2.6 h labor |
Not every Ford automatic has a TSS. Ford’s 2003 F-150 4.6L 4R70W electronic control description lists an output shaft speed sensor but no turbine speed sensor. Ford’s 4R100 location view in the same manual shows a TSS (7M101) on the case. If you’re not sure which version you have, see are all 4R70W transmissions the same.
F-150 with the 4R75E (4.6L)
Ford’s 2008 F-150 location view shows the TSS connector (C143) on the driver side of the 4R75E case, just above the DTR sensor at the manual lever. The OSS (C193) is further back. Ford’s procedure is done from under the truck with the vehicle in NEUTRAL on a hoist: unplug the connector, remove the one bolt and pull the sensor. Tighten the bolt to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft) when you install it.
2011–2013 F-150 with the 6R80 Six-Speed
On the 6R80 there is no external TSS to unbolt. Ford’s description says a plastic molded leadframe bolted to the main control contains the TSS, OSS, transmission fluid temperature (TFT) and transmission range (TR) sensors. The wiring leaves the transmission through vehicle harness connector C1575. Ford’s pinpoint test ends with “replace the molded leadframe” when the sensor itself is at fault. If you were looking for the output sensor instead, see our 2011 F-150 speed sensor location, 2013 F-150 output speed sensor and 2014 F-150 output speed sensor guides.
2017 and Newer F-150 and Ranger with the 10R80
The 10R80 uses four speed sensors: intermediate speed sensor A (ISSA), intermediate speed sensor B (ISSB), the turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor and the OSS. Ford’s TSB 20-2198 lists all four among the internal parts removed during teardown, along with the main control assembly. Plan on a shop job, and read our Ford 10-speed transmission problems guide for related concerns.
TSS vs ISS vs OSS: Which Sensor Is “A”?
Guides often call the input sensor the “ISS”. That causes problems on a Ford, where ISS usually means a different sensor:
| Ford name | What it reads | Codes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbine shaft speed (TSS) | Turbine/input speed (forward clutch cylinder on the 6R80) | P0715–P0718 | This is the P0715 sensor |
| Intermediate shaft speed (ISS) | A part inside the gear train, not the input | Transmission-specific | 5R55W has one; the 10R80 has two (ISSA, ISSB) |
| Output shaft speed (OSS) | Output shaft | P0720–P0722 | On the 6R80 it shares the leadframe with the TSS |
On the 5R55W, Ford’s location view shows the TSS and ISS sitting side by side on the driver side of the case. Ford’s diagram identifies them as connector C143 (TSS) and C164 (ISS), so trace the wire before you unbolt anything. Ford lists the possible vehicle speed sources as the ABS sensors, a separate vehicle speed sensor (VSS) or the OSS. The TSS isn’t one of them. That’s why a P0715 alone usually doesn’t kill the speedometer. For range sensor and module locations, see our F-150 transmission range sensor and F-150 speed sensor location guides.
P0715 Symptoms on a Ford
- Check engine light (MIL) or wrench light on. See our Ford check engine light guide.
- Limp mode. The 6R80 defaults to 5th gear with P0715 and to 3rd after a restart (Ford DTC chart).
- Firm or harsh shifts, because Ford commands maximum line pressure with P0715/P0717 on the 6R80.
- On 2007–2008 6F50 vehicles, Ford TSB 07-21-11 lists harsh engagement, no upshift or fifth gear only.
- On 2020 Super Duty 10R140 trucks, Ford TSB 20-2393 lists lack of power and/or stuck in 7th gear.
How to Diagnose P0715 (Ford Test Steps)
Ford’s pinpoint tests (the 6R80 Test D and the 4R75E Test F) work from the easy checks to the hard ones:
- Read all codes. On the 6R80, Ford says to diagnose P0705–P0709, P1702, P1705 and P1921 first, if they are present.
- Check that the transmission harness connector is fully seated and that the pins are clean, straight and not pushed out.
- Watch the TSS PID on a scan tool while you drive through all the gears. If it rises and falls with engine and vehicle speed, the sensor circuit is working.
- If it doesn’t, check the circuit. On the 2011 F-150 6R80, Ford checks the signal at C1575 pin 1 (less than 4.8 V points to a wiring check, and more than 5.1 V means a short to power). Continuity to the PCM should be under 5 ohms, and resistance to ground should be over 10,000 ohms.
- On a 4R75E with a two-wire sensor, Ford measures the TSS sensor itself: 480–590 ohms is good. Outside that range, install a new sensor.
A basic code reader shows P0715, but you need live data for the PID step. On a Windows laptop with FORScan software, an adapter like the OBDLink EX FORScan adapter reads Ford-specific module data. Ford notes that when the adaptive shift strategy is reset after a repair, upshifts and downshifts may feel firmer than normal for several days while it relearns. See our Ford adaptive learning transmission reset guide.
| Ford test value | Spec | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 4R75E TSS sensor resistance | 480–590 ohms | 2008 F-150 Pinpoint Test F |
| 6R80 TSS signal circuit, C1575-1 to ground (key on) | Less than 4.8 V: check the circuit for an open; more than 5.1 V: short to power | 2011 F-150 Pinpoint Test D |
| Harness continuity to PCM | Less than 5 ohms | Both tests |
| Harness to ground | More than 10,000 ohms | Both tests |
How to Replace the Turbine Speed Sensor
External sensor (4R75E, 5R55W, 6F35):
- Raise the vehicle safely. Ford puts the 4R75E truck in NEUTRAL on a hoist and the 5R55W Explorer in PARK. On a 4×4 Explorer, remove the front driveshaft first.
- On the 6F35 Escape, remove the retainers and the LH splash shield.
- Clean around the sensor, unplug the connector and remove the single bolt or screw, then pull the sensor out.
- Check the O-ring. Ford says to replace it if it’s damaged and to lubricate it before you install the sensor (petroleum jelly on the 5R55W).
- Tighten to Ford’s spec: 11 Nm (8 lb-ft) on the 4R75E, 14 Nm (10 lb-ft) on the 5R55W, or 10 Nm (89 lb-in) on the 6F35. On the 6F35, top up the fluid to the correct level. See our Ford transmission fluid capacity chart.
Internal sensor (6R80, 10R80, 10R140): On the 6R80, Ford’s leadframe procedure starts with removing the main control. The six long leadframe bolts and the eight solenoid bracket bolts are each tightened to 6 Nm (53 lb-in), and the TR sensor pin must line up with the manual control valve. The solenoids are calibrated, so keep each one in its original port. On the 10R140, Ford TSB 20-2393 lists the pan gasket, fluid filter, main control manifold seal and fluid pump gasket as parts to inspect when replacing the TSS. Ford’s labor time is 2.6 hours. Most owners leave these internal repairs to a shop.
Related Ford TSBs and Recalls
| Bulletin | Vehicles | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| TSB 07-21-11 | 2007–2008 Edge/MKX, 2008 Taurus, Taurus X, Sable (6F50 built before 10/21/2007) | P0715, P0717, P0718, P0720–P0722: replace the TSS or OSS sensor; do not replace the PCM |
| TSB 20-2393 | 2020 Super Duty 10R140 built on or before 21-Sep-2020 | P0715, P0716, P0717, P07C0, lack of power or stuck in 7th: replace the TSS |
| Recalls 16S19 / 19S07 (NHTSA 16V-248, 19V-075) | 2011–2012 F-150 and 2012 Expedition, Navigator and Mustang (16S19); 2011–2013 F-150 6-speed (19S07) | Unexpected downshift into first gear; dealers reprogram the PCM. Check your VIN at NHTSA |
If the module has been replaced or reset, see how to reset the transmission control module on an F-150.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does code P0715 mean on a Ford?
P0715 is Input/Turbine Speed Sensor A Circuit. On a Ford it points to the turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor circuit. On the 6R80, Ford sets it when the PCM sees no TSS rpm while the output shaft speed sensor shows the vehicle moving.
Where is the turbine speed sensor on a Ford F-150?
It depends on the transmission. On the 4R75E (for example the 2008 F-150 4.6L), it bolts to the driver side of the case next to the DTR sensor. On the 6R80 (2011–2013 F-150), it is inside the transmission on the molded leadframe. On the 10R80 (2017 and newer), it is one of four internal speed sensors.
Can I drive with a P0715 code?
Only carefully and only to get it fixed. On the 6R80, Ford commands a default gear (5th gear with P0715, or 3rd after a restart) and maximum line pressure. That gives harsh shifts and poor acceleration, which can be unsafe in traffic.
Is P0715 always a bad sensor?
No. Ford’s pinpoint tests check the connector, the signal circuit for opens and shorts, and the PCM before they replace the sensor or 6R80 leadframe. Diagnose other transmission codes first.
What is the torque spec for a Ford turbine speed sensor bolt?
Ford lists 11 Nm (8 lb-ft) for the 4R75E, 14 Nm (10 lb-ft) for the 5R55W and 10 Nm (89 lb-in) for the 6F35. The 6R80 sensor is part of the leadframe, whose bolts are 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
Is the input speed sensor the same as the turbine speed sensor?
For P0715, yes: the input/turbine sensor is what Ford calls the turbine shaft speed (TSS) sensor. Don’t confuse it with Ford’s intermediate shaft speed (ISS) sensor on the 5R55W, or ISSA/ISSB on the 10R80. Those are different sensors.
Will a bad turbine speed sensor stop the speedometer?
Usually not. Ford lists the vehicle speed sources as the ABS sensors, a separate vehicle speed sensor or the output shaft speed sensor. The turbine sensor isn’t one of them. A speedometer problem usually points to the OSS or ABS side.
Sources: Ford service information via Operation CHARM: 2003 F-150 4R70W electronic controls, 2008 F-150 4R75E TSS location, removal and Pinpoint Test F, 2004 Explorer 5R55W location and removal, 2011 F-150 6R80 electronic control system, DTC chart, Pinpoint Test D and leadframe/solenoid service, and 2010 Escape 6F35 TSS removal. Ford TSBs 07-21-11, 20-2198, 20-2393 and 23-2152 (via NHTSA). The code title is the standard SAE J2012 OBD-II definition.