Error P0720 on Nissan: a complete analysis of the output shaft speed sensor malfunction

Error code P0720 on the dashboard Nissan indicates problems with output shaft speed sensor (Output Shaft Speed Sensor, OSS). This malfunction can manifest itself in different ways: from twitching when changing gears to a complete refusal of the gearbox to switch to higher gears. Most often the error occurs on models with CVT variator (For example, Qashqai J10/J11, X-Trail T31/T32, Juke F15), but does not ignore classic automatic transmissions in Teana, Murano or Pathfinder.

Unlike many other errors, P0720 does not always require expensive repairs. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved by simply cleaning the contacts or replacing the sensor, the cost of which rarely exceeds 3–5 thousand rubles. However, it cannot be ignored: long-term driving with this malfunction can lead to wear of the variator clutches or blocking of the torque converter, which will already entail repairs costing 100+ thousand. In this article, we’ll look at how to accurately diagnose the cause, what measures to take first, and when to go to a service station.

What does the P0720 code mean on Nissan?

Code P0720 stands for "Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction" — malfunction of the output shaft rotation speed sensor circuit. This sensor is responsible for transmitting data on the speed of rotation of the secondary shaft of the transmission to automatic transmission/variator control unit (TCM). Based on its readings, the electronics makes decisions:

• 🔄 When to change gears (in automatic transmission) or change the gear ratio (in CVT);
• 🚗 Adjust engine speed when accelerating or braking;
• 🛑 Lock the torque converter at high speeds to save fuel;
• ⚠️ Activate emergency mode if the sensor readings do not match.

If TCM does not receive a signal from the sensor or records unstable data, it records an error P0720 and can transfer the box to "limp mod" (emergency mode), limiting the maximum speed to 60–80 km/h. On some models (for example, Nissan Almera N16 with a 4-speed automatic transmission) the error appears only by the lamp blinking CHECK ENGINE, without obvious symptoms in the behavior of the transmission.

The main symptoms of error P0720

A malfunction of the output shaft sensor rarely appears suddenly; it is usually preceded by indirect signs. Here are typical symptoms that should alert you:

Symptom	Manifestation on Nissan with automatic transmission	Manifestation on Nissan with CVT
Jerks when switching	Delays between 1st–2nd or 2nd–3rd gears, jerks during acceleration	Jerking at speeds of 40–60 km/h, drop in speed
Speed limit	Automatic freezes in 3rd gear and does not go higher	The variator blocks acceleration above 80–90 km/h
Floating speed	RPM fluctuates at idle after warming up	When braking, the engine stalls or the rpm drops to 500
CHECK ENGINE lights up	Often accompanied by errors P0730 (incorrect gear ratio)	P0715 (Input Shaft Sensor) or P0841 (CVT Pressure) may appear.

On Nissan with CVT (For example, Qashqai J11 or X-Trail T32) error P0720 often accompanied hum or whistle from under the hood - this is a sign that TCM tries to compensate for the lack of sensor data by increasing the pressure in the valve body. If you ignore the symptoms, after 500–1000 km it may appear metal shavings in CVT oil, which will lead to expensive repairs.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note E12 And Micra K13 with the JF015E variator, error P0720 sometimes occurs after changing the oil in the CVT if a non-original filter was installed. In this case, it is enough to reset the error with the scanner and drive 100–150 km - if the code does not return, the problem is solved.

Reasons for error P0720

In 70% of cases, the sensor itself or its wiring is to blame, but there are also more serious reasons. Let's look at them in order - from simple to complex:

1. Contamination or oxidation of sensor contacts - especially relevant for cars older than 5 years. Dust, oil or corrosion interferes with the signal.
2. Broken or shorted wiring — the sensor wires often rub against the box or are damaged during repairs.
3. Malfunction of the OSS sensor itself — wear of internal elements or short circuit.
4. Problems with the TCM control unit - rarely, but it happens that the firmware is “buggy” or the input circuits fail.
5. Mechanical damage to the box — wear of the output shaft bearings or damage to the ring gear from which the sensor reads.

On Nissan with CVT (For example, Juke or Qashqai) error P0720 often appears after poor quality CVT oil change. The fact is that some “universal” liquids (for example, Mobil CVT or Castrol Transmax CVT) do not meet the requirements Nissan NS-2/NS-3 and cause increased sensor wear. The code may also appear after chip tuning, if the TCM firmware does not process signals from the OSS correctly.

How to check the originality of the CVT oil?

Fake oil often has a strong chemical smell and a thinner consistency. Original liquid Nissan NS-3 should be transparent with a slight amber tint. If the oil is dark or has metal particles, it urgently needs to be replaced.

How to diagnose the P0720 code yourself

For accurate diagnosis you need a scanner that supports the protocol OBD-II (For example, Launch CReader or ELM327 with the program Torque Pro). But some checks can be done without equipment.

Visual inspection of the OSS sensor for damage|Checking the contacts for oxidation or contamination|Testing the wiring for breaks with a multimeter|Listening to the box for extraneous noise (humming, grinding)|Resetting the error and checking whether it returns after 10–15 km of run-->

Step 1: Find the OSS Sensor

On most models Nissan The output shaft speed sensor is located on the gearbox housing closer to the right (in the direction of travel) drive shaft. For example:

• 🔧 On Qashqai J10 (variator RE0F10A) - under the air duct, next to the input shaft sensor;
• 🔧 On X-Trail T31 (automatic transmission RE5R05A) - on the back of the box, under the thermostat;
• 🔧 On Teana J32 (variator JF011E) - to the right of the CVT oil pan.

Step 2: Check sensor resistance

Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance between the contacts with a multimeter. For most sensors Nissan normal value - 80–250 Ohm. If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break), the sensor is faulty.

Step 3. Call the wiring

Check the integrity of the wires from the sensor to the control unit TCM (usually located under the center console). On the connector TCM look for contacts with markings OSS or OUT SPEED. The resistance between the sensor and the TCM should be close to 0 ohm.

Step-by-step instructions for resolving error P0720

Depending on the cause, repair methods will vary. Below is an algorithm of actions from simple to complex.

1. Cleaning the sensor contacts

If the sensor connector shows dirt, oxidation or traces of oil:

1. Disconnect the connector and clean the contacts alcohol or contact cleaner (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner).
2. Blow with compressed air (do not use metal objects!).
3. Apply to contacts dielectric grease (For example, Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray).
4. Reset the error using the scanner and drive 20–30 km.

2. Replacing the OSS sensor

If the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. For most models Nissan original sensors fit:

• 🔧 Qashqai J10/J11, Juke F15 — 31397-3JX0A or 31397-3JX0B;
• 🔧 X-Trail T31/T32 — 31397-4M00A;
• 🔧 Teana J32, Murano Z51 — 31397-AL50A.

The cost of the original is about 4–6 thousand rubles. Analogs (for example, Febi or Blue Print) will cost 2–3 thousand, but their reliability is lower.

3. Wiring repair

If the problem is in the wires:

• 🔍 Find the place of the break or short circuit (often this is the area next to the box where the wires rub against the metal).
• 🛠️ Strip and solder the damaged wire, insulating it with heat shrink.
• 🔌 If the wiring is severely damaged, replace it entirely (harness article number for Qashqai — 28460-4M01A).

4. TCM diagnostics

If after replacing the sensor and checking the wiring the error remains, the problem may be box control unit. In this case:

• 🔧 Remove TCM (on most models it is located under the center console).
• 🔍 Check the board for swollen capacitors or burnt tracks.
• 💻 Reflash the block (for example, using XProg or at a service station).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan with CVT JF016E (For example, Qashqai J11 after 2017) block TCM integrated with ECU. Replacing it will cost 50–80 thousand rubles, so before doing this, make sure that the problem is not in the software (sometimes resetting adaptations through Nissan Consult).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan encounter a relapse of the error P0720 after a seemingly successful renovation. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• 🚫 Using a non-original sensor - cheap analogues often fail after 1-2 months. Check the article by VIN on the website Nissan Parts.
• 🚫 Incorrect tightening torque — the OSS sensor must be tightened with force 8–12 Nm. Overstretching leads to damage to the housing.
• 🚫 Ignoring related errors - if they light up together with P0720 P0715 (input shaft sensor) or P0841 (CVT pressure), the problem may be in the valve body.
• 🚫 Replacing the sensor without checking the oil - in CVTs Nissan dirty oil quickly kills the new sensor.

On Nissan Patrol Y62 with automatic transmission RE7R01B error P0720 sometimes appears after replacing the pressure relief valve in the valve body. In this case it is required box adaptation via dealer scanner (Nissan Consult III+), otherwise the control unit will read the sensor signals incorrectly.

Cost of repair at a service station vs self-repair

Prices for fixing errors P0720 vary greatly depending on the cause and region. Below are the estimated prices for Moscow and the regions (for 2026):

Type of work	Cost (Moscow)	Cost (regions)	Difficulty (1–5)
Diagnostics with a scanner	1 500–2 500 ₽	800–1 500 ₽	1
Replacing the OSS sensor	3,000–5,000 ₽ (with spare parts)	2 000–3 500 ₽	2
Wiring repair	2 500–4 000 ₽	1 500–2 500 ₽	3
CVT oil change with flushing	8 000–12 000 ₽	5 000–8 000 ₽	4
TCM repair/replacement	15 000–30 000 ₽	10 000–20 000 ₽	5

Do-it-yourself repairs will be cheaper, but require tools and skills. For example, replacing a sensor with Nissan Juke takes 30–40 minutes and does not require a pit, but on Nissan Pathfinder R52 you will have to remove the protection and partially disassemble the subframe.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P0720

Is it possible to drive with P0720?

Short-term - yes, but no more than 200–300 km. Driving for a long time with this error leads to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the variator due to incorrect pressure control;
• 🔧 Accelerated wear of clutches in automatic transmissions;
• ⚡ Increased fuel consumption (up to 2-3 liters per 100 km).

On Nissan with CVT the risk is especially high - the belt and cones may need to be replaced (from 80,000 ₽).

Why does P0720 appear after changing the CVT oil?

Reasons:

1. Using non-original fluid (for example, Idemitsu CVTF instead of Nissan NS-3).
2. Air entering the system during replacement (bleeding required).
3. The oil filter is dirty (if it has not been replaced).

Solution: Repeat the oil change with the correct fluid and filter, then reset the transmission adaptations.

How to reset P0720 without a scan tool?

On some models (for example, Nissan Almera N16) the error can be reset by disconnecting the battery terminal for 10–15 minutes. However, this only works if the problem was temporary (for example, contact failure). If the error returns, diagnostics are required.

For Nissan with CVT This method is not recommended - the box adaptation may be disrupted.

What other errors often accompany P0720?

Typical "satellites":

• P0715 — malfunction of the input shaft speed sensor;
• P0730 - incorrect gear ratio;
• P0841 — pressure discrepancy in the CVT control circuit;
• U1000 — loss of communication with the TCM unit.

If several errors are lit at the same time, the problem is most likely in TCM or wiring, not in the sensor.

Could P0720 be caused by firmware?

Yes, especially after chip tuning. Some firmware (for example, for Nissan GT-R or 370Z) optimize transmission performance under high loads, but may conflict with OSS sensor signals. The solution is to return the stock firmware or modify the calibrations via EcuTek.