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P0730 Severity
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
The Input Speed Sensor tells the Transmission Control Module (TCM) how fast the engine is spinning so the correct gear can be engaged. The Output Speed Sensor tells the Transmission Control Module (TCM) how fast the output shaft of the transmission is spinning so it can verify the correct gear is engaged. The TCM compares both signals to verify the transmission is in the desired gear. If it is determined that the transmission is not in the desired gear, the engine control module (PCM) or TCM will set code P0730.
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OBD-II Code P0730 is defined as a Transmission Control System Malfunction
The purpose of the automatic transmission is to match the engine's optimum power and torque characteristics to the driver's desired rate of acceleration and speed by auto-selecting different gear ratios or 'speeds' to power the wheels.
Code P0730 means that the Powertrain Computer or PCM is seeing greater than a specified RPM difference between the rotational speed of the Input RPM Sensor and the Transmission Output RPM Sensor. This can occur during shifting or when driving at steady speeds in the same gear. It often implies that the transmission is slipping.
When diagnosing a P0730 code, it is important to record the freeze frame information and then to duplicate the code setting conditions with a test drive. Pay close attention to the engine load, throttle position, RPM, and road speed and compare the Output RPM Speed Sensor signal to the Input RPM Speed Sensor signal. If the input RPM signal varies a lot when your're traveling at a steady road speed and throttle position, then you may have verified the P0730 code setting condition.
I also like to drive the vehicle at a steady freeway speed, say 60 mph, so the transmission can shift into its highest gear. Then I watch the Input and Output RPM Speed Sensor signal. If there is more than a 200 RPM difference at a steady speed and throttle position, I know the transmission is slipping and may need internal repairs.