Auto transmission input speed sensor lost.
P0717 — also written PO717, P 0717, 0717 — is the OBD-II code for input/turbine speed sensor no signal. Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This code means the gearbox 'brain' has lost its eyes—it can't see how fast the engine is spinning the input shaft, so it panics and goes into limp mode. Most common on VW Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSG) and Vauxhall 6T40 units.
P0717 is a transmission fault code, typically costing £150–£700 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0717 actually feels like to drive
- The car 'bangs' or jerks violently when you shift from Park into Drive.
- Stuck in 'Limp Mode'—usually locked in 3rd gear to protect the box.
- Speedometer works fine, but the revs feel disconnected from the gear changes.
- The PRNDL display on the dash starts flashing or turns solid red/inverted.
- Engine revs high but the car barely moves, then suddenly grabs a gear.
What causes P0717?
- Failed sensor
- Wiring fault
- Damaged reluctor
UK vehicles that throw P0717 most often
- Volkswagen Golf Mk6/Mk7 (DQ250/DQ200 DSG) 2009-2018
- Vauxhall Astra J/K 1.6 & 1.4 Turbo (6T40 Auto) 2010-2019
- Ford Focus Mk3 (Powershift/6DCT450) 2011-2017
- Audi A3/A4 (S-Tronic) 2008-2016
- VW Transporter T5.1/T6 (DSG) 2010-2020
How P0717 is fixed
- Replace speed sensor
- Repair wiring
The P0717 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I see lads throwing new batteries and alternators at this because the dash lights up like a Christmas tree and the car feels 'dead'. Or worse, they assume the whole gearbox has internal mechanical failure and quote for a recon unit. 9 times out of 10, it's just the sensor itself or a wire that’s been chewed by a rodent or corroded by road salt. On the Transporters, I’ve seen people replace the gear selector module first—total waste of time and money. Always check the live data for an RPM reading before buying parts.
What a UK garage should charge for P0717
A diagnostic plug-in will run you £50-£80 at an indie. For a Vauxhall or Ford, the sensor itself is usually £60-£120, plus two hours labour (£150), so you're looking at £250-£350. However, on the VW DSG, the sensor is often part of the Mechatronic unit or buried deep; if the sensor is internal, you're looking at £500-£700 including fresh Febi or Fuchs DSG fluid. Main dealers will easily double these prices, often quoting £1,500+ for a full Mechatronic replacement.
P0717 repair cost in the UK
Most P0717 repairs land between £150–£700 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0717
If your garage says 'it needs a new gearbox,' ask them specifically if they've checked the Ohm resistance on the G182 sensor. If they look at you blankly, take it to a gearbox specialist. For VAG owners, insist on a genuine sensor; the cheap £20 eBay versions often have the wrong pulse width and will leave you back in limp mode within a week. Also, if you’re doing the sensor, it’s the perfect time to do a full ATF fluid and filter change—don't let them put the old dirty oil back in.
Can you drive with P0717?
Limp mode.
Urgency: medium.