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2011 GMC Terrain OBDII P0716 and P0717: Input Speed Sensor Fault - How to Diagnose Without Replacing the Transmission or Paying $1000?

Model: 2011 GMC Terrain Fault Code: P0716 Posted: 2018-09-09 10:14

Hi everyone, I'm having a serious issue with my 2011 GMC Terrain with a 2.4L engine. The vehicle is slipping out of gear, and the OBDII diagnostic shows two codes: P0716 and P0717 — both related to the input speed sensor not being detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). My trusted mechanic initially suggested replacing the transmission filter, as he believes gear slippage is often caused by low fluid or a clogged filter. However, my vehicle has a sealed transmission with no dipstick or regular filter service — it's only serviced when needed. The fluid level was just 1 quart below recommended, but removing the filter requires specialized tools that aren't available at most shops. I took it to a transmission shop for diagnosis and filter replacement. They called me back within 20 minutes and said 'your transmission is shot.' I don’t believe this is accurate — especially given that the GMC dealer offers a $199 filter change without removing the transmission, which contradicts their claim. The input speed sensor costs around $1,000 to replace at the dealership, and it requires full transmission removal. Before spending that much, I want to rule out other potential causes — especially since this is a 70k-mile vehicle (though transmission failure can occur). My wife is scheduled for major surgery next week, and I'm currently disabled with a young child. I cannot afford to spend $1,000 if the sensor isn’t actually faulty or if the transmission is truly beyond repair. What would you recommend as the first step in diagnosing this issue? Are there any affordable ways to check for wiring issues, sensor faults, or mechanical damage without pulling the transmission? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Related fault codes
P0716P0717
Comments (2)
Anonymous 2018-09-09 14:21

It's possible that a simple $20 input speed sensor replacement — with only about $100 labor — could resolve this. Consider getting a quote from YourMechanic.com or another trusted mobile mechanic service. They can perform a diagnostic to determine whether the transmission needs to be removed or if there’s a non-invasive fix available. Potential causes for P0716 and P0717 include: - A faulty input speed sensor - Damaged, loose, or shorted wiring and connectors in the sensor circuit - PCM failure or programming error Always verify with an actual scan and test drive to confirm the root cause before replacing expensive parts. Read more: https://www.yourmechanic.com/p0717

Anonymous 2018-09-10 06:27

+Mechanical damage should also be considered — especially in a vehicle with over 70k miles. Check for signs of internal transmission wear or gear slippage under load, and ensure the issue isn’t due to worn components rather than sensor failure.