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P0720 on Jeep Grand Cherokee: Fix & DLC Location

Factory diagnostic troubleshooting wire for fault code P0720 (P0720: Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction) specifically on the Jeep Grand Cherokee (2021–2026, 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP)).

2021–2026
Grand CherokeeSUV
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Grand Cherokee SAE J1979 Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Drivable (Short Trip)
High urgency level
Est. DIY Time
45 – 90 Min
Basic hand tools
Check P0720 On Another Jeep Model:
Jeep Grand CherokeeJeep Wrangler

1. Symptoms of P0720 on Jeep Grand Cherokee

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP)) logs fault code P0720, drivers commonly observe:

System alert or indicator light illuminated (P0720) on Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP))
Intermittent performance throttling or unexpected operation halts on Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP))
Audible sensor relay clicking or anomalous status telemetry in dashboard logs on Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP))
Degraded operational throughput or error dialog popups on startup on Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP))
Readiness monitors failing state emissions or system compliance audits on Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP))
Jeep Grand Cherokee OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Under driver side dashboard above foot pedals. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Jeep Grand Cherokee

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Jeep Grand Cherokee point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Component aging, oxidation, or degraded internal circuit element (Output Speed Sensor) (Jeep OEM Part)
25%
Wiring harness abrasion, loose terminal pin, or ground voltage float (Jeep OEM Part)
12%
Outdated firmware microcode or incompatible software driver update (Jeep OEM Part)
8%
Thermal stress or excessive operational duty-cycle fatigue (Jeep OEM Part)
8%
Contamination from carbon buildup, moisture ingress, or dirty filtration (Jeep OEM Part)

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Jeep Grand Cherokee

01
Connect Diagnostic Scanner / Logging Monitor to Retrieve Telemetry

Interface with the diagnostic port or system console using verified scanning hardware. Record freeze-frame data, active sub-codes, and timestamps to isolate whether P0720 is static or intermittent. on the Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP).

Required Tool: Ratchet, Transmission fluid
02
Perform Physical & Electrical Circuit Inspection

Visually inspect the physical component (Output Speed Sensor), connector pins, and associated wiring harnesses for signs of corrosion, thermal melting, or loose grounding clips. on the Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP).

Required Tool: Multimeter, Flashlight, Contact Cleaner Spray
03
Component Testing & Resistance / Voltage Verification

Measure reference voltages and resistance thresholds against manufacturer factory specifications. Replace any component failing nominal impedance tolerances. on the Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP).

Required Tool: Ratchet, Transmission fluid
04
Execute Component Replacement or Software Configuration Patch

Install genuine OEM replacement hardware or execute registry / service commands. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to factory specifications. on the Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP).

Required Tool: Standard Hand Tool Set / Terminal Commands
05
Clear Diagnostic Trouble Code & Complete Verification Drive Cycle

Erase the fault code from non-volatile memory. Perform a standard verification cycle (e.g. 15-minute mixed drive or system stress benchmark) to ensure monitors reset to 'Ready' state without recurrent fault flags. on the Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP).

Required Tool: OBD-II Code Reader / Diagnostic Suite

Other Common Fault Codes on Jeep Grand Cherokee

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee P0720 FAQs

What causes code P0720 to trigger on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

On the Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L Pentastar V6 (293HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8 / 4xe PHEV (375HP)), P0720 is most frequently caused by Component aging, oxidation, or degraded internal circuit element (Output Speed Sensor) or Wiring harness abrasion, loose terminal pin, or ground voltage float.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Jeep Grand Cherokee?

On the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Under driver side dashboard above foot pedals. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Jeep Grand Cherokee with code P0720?

Caution. Limited operation permitted only to reach a nearby repair facility or backup critical personal files. Given that P0720 carries a High severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.