Transmission Temperature Exceeded Safe Operating Limit
2014-2016 Tesla Model S P85D Dual Motor AWD
Description
The transmission fluid temperature has exceeded the maximum safe operating temperature. Extended operation at high temperature causes fluid breakdown and component damage.
Symptoms
- Transmission temperature warning light
- Limp mode activated
- Reduced shift quality
- Torque converter lockup forced
- Burning smell from transmission area
- Transmission fluid discolored
Common Causes
- Towing beyond vehicle capacity
- Transmission cooler blockage
- Cooling fan failure
- Transmission cooler line restriction
- Stop-and-go driving in extreme heat
Diagnostic Steps
- Read transmission temperature PID
- Inspect transmission cooler and lines
- Check cooling fan operation
- Inspect cooler line flow rate
- Check transmission fluid condition
Repair Notes
Allow transmission to cool. Flush and replace transmission fluid if it has been overheated. Clean or replace transmission cooler. Address root cause of overheating.
Related Codes
Other Powertrain Codes
- P0070Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit
- P0071Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance
- P0072Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
- P0073Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High
- P0115Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Circuit
- P0116ECT Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance
- P0117ECT Sensor 1 Circuit Low Input
- P0118ECT Sensor 1 Circuit High Input
- P0119ECT Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent
- P0125Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control
P3071 on Other Vehicles
Tesla Cybertruck
2024-2024 Cyberbeast Tri Motor AWD
Tesla Cybertruck
2024-2024 Dual Motor AWD
Tesla Cybertruck
2024-2024 Single Motor RWD
Tesla Model 3
2017-2020 Long Range Dual Motor AWD
Tesla Model 3
2017-2020 Performance Dual Motor AWD
Tesla Model 3
2017-2020 Standard Range Plus Single Motor RWD
Tesla Model 3
2021-2024 Long Range Dual Motor AWD
Tesla Model 3
2021-2024 Performance Dual Motor AWD
Common Questions
What does code P3071 mean on a 2014-2016 Tesla Model S?
P3071 stands for "Transmission Temperature Exceeded Safe Operating Limit". The transmission fluid temperature has exceeded the maximum safe operating temperature. Extended operation at high temperature causes fluid breakdown and component damage.
What are the symptoms of P3071 on a Tesla Model S?
Common symptoms of P3071 include: Transmission temperature warning light, Limp mode activated, Reduced shift quality, Torque converter lockup forced, Burning smell from transmission area, Transmission fluid discolored.
What causes P3071 on a 2014-2016 Tesla Model S?
Common causes of P3071 include: Towing beyond vehicle capacity, Transmission cooler blockage, Cooling fan failure, Transmission cooler line restriction, Stop-and-go driving in extreme heat.