What Does P1720 Mean?
The vehicle speed sensor circuit that feeds the instrument cluster speedometer is malfunctioning. This can result in inaccurate or no speedometer reading, and may affect cruise control and transmission shift points.
Common Causes
35%
Faulty vehicle speed sensor or output shaft speed sensor
30%
Damaged or corroded wiring between speed sensor and instrument cluster
20%
Faulty instrument cluster or speedometer module
15%
Poor ground connection in speed sensor circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Inspect vehicle speed sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose connections
2
Step 2: Using multimeter, test speed sensor output signal while rotating transmission output shaft or driving vehicle
3
Step 3: Check continuity of wiring between speed sensor and instrument cluster
4
Step 4: Verify ground circuit integrity with resistance testing
5
Step 5: Monitor live data on scan tool to compare vehicle speed signal at PCM versus instrument cluster
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The vehicle speed sensor circuit that feeds the instrument cluster speedometer is malfunctioning. This can result in inaccurate or no speedometer reading, and may affect cruise control and transmission shift points.
The most common cause of P1720 (Vehicle Speed (Meter) Circuit Malfunction) is: Faulty vehicle speed sensor or output shaft speed sensor
Typical repair costs for P1720 range from $150 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Non-functional speedometer prevents driver from knowing actual speed, increasing risk of speeding violations or unsafe driving. May affect ABS and traction control functions.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1720 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Transmission Control System / Instrument Cluster
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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