Venza transmission warning light and emergency mode

I'm about ready to throw in the towel with my 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid. I'm at 82660 km and I'm getting a MIL and sometimes a transmission warning light. I'm also experiencing emergency mode, slippage, and even some gnarly grinding when shifting. I pulled the codes and it's pointing to a faulty transmission oil temperature sensor. I've checked the basics – battery, connections – but nada. Anyone else run into this gremlin?

4 comment(s)

Dude, that sounds rough. I have a Venza Hybrid too, and I had similar symptoms a while back. Emergency mode is the worst! Did you check your gearbox oil level? That was the culprit for me. Low oil can definitely cause the sensor to throw a code and the tranny to act all sorts of wonky. What codes are you pulling?

Whoa, really? I hadn't thought about the oil level. I was so focused on the sensor itself. Where's the dipstick located? I'm used to older cars where it's right there in plain sight. And yeah, emergency mode is a total drag. What codes did you get? Mine's throwing a P0711.

Okay, so the Venza doesn't have a dipstick for the trans. You need to remove a check plug on the transmission itself - kinda a pain, TBH. Honestly, if you're not super comfortable with that, I'd recommend taking it to a shop. A low oil level caused the P0711 code for me too. The sensor was fine, just reading the actual temp of the low oil. It ended up costing me 365€ for the oil and labor.

Massive thanks for the insight! I was so ready to replace the sensor, which would have been a total waste. Took it to my local shop, and you nailed it – low gearbox oil. Topped it off, and the code is gone, shifting is smooth again. You saved me a ton of headache, man. I owe you one!

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