The intermediate shaft speed sensor measures a shaft between input and output – a countershaft on Toyota's U760 six-speed, the intermediate shaft behind the overdrive set on Ford's 5R110W. Together with turbine and output speed it lets the module check each gear stage and control clutch slip. P0794 means the intermediate shaft signal drops out or jumps briefly – not long enough for P0793 – typically a loose contact or a wire breaking under movement. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code; the expected logic counts unrealistic jumps like Ford's P0718 for the turbine sensor (200 spikes within 1.5 s each). Occasional harsh shifts follow, and limp mode after several events.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
Symptoms
- Occasional transmission warning
- Harsh shift now and then
- Limp mode, gone after restart
Most likely causes
- Loose contact at the connector or broken wire
- Sensor thermally unstable
- Interference (ground, shielding)
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0794 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 94: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0794?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P0794?
The most common causes are: loose contact at the connector or broken wire; sensor thermally unstable; interference (ground, shielding).
Related codes
- P0791Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit
- P0792Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0793Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit No Signal
- P0718Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
- P0723Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent
Sources
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.