Shift solenoids commonly malfunction, just like all other components on a car. Will a bad shift solenoid throw a code? Numerous car owners claim that their shift solenoid required replacement in the absence of a check engine light or particular error number.
A malfunctioning transmission solenoid will generate a code, but it’s not for the reason you might expect. The transmission control unit (TCU), which regulates speed by shifting gears, is a crucial component of the entire vehicle.
The transmission solenoid, which can be found in both automatic and manual gearbox cars, is a component of the TCU. The role is to govern fluid flow into and throughout an automatic transmission, and the position might vary depending on the car manufacturer and type.
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What Is The Purpose of The Shift Solenoid?
The shift solenoid’s function is to control the shifting of gears in a vehicle. When the solenoid is activated, fluid flows into the transmission, causing the gears to engage. This contributes to the vehicle shifting smoothly and efficiently.
The shift solenoid is an electrical valve that allows transmission fluid to pass through while actuating the gearshift.
While most transmissions have two or three solenoids, transmissions can have up to four shift solenoids. The majority of transmissions only use two or three solenoids 80 percent of the time.
All contemporary transmissions use pressure control solenoids to regulate the boost valve’s position. An electronic control module manages the solenoid.
The pintle’s position is managed by the control module using an on-off method known as a duty cycle, which in turn manages the fluid flow through the solenoid.
Line pressure solenoids, PC solenoids, and EPC solenoids, which stands for electronic pressure control line, are all terms used to refer to pressure control solenoids.
Inside the transmission are the solenoids for the transmission. The function of a transmission solenoid is to guide hydraulic fluid into the valve body to activate the proper gear.
Shift slippage, irregular shifting, and a transmission that won’t shift at all are all common symptoms of faulty transmission solenoids.
Basically, a damaged transmission solenoid prevents the transmission valve body from receiving the hydraulic pressure needed to pick the appropriate gear.
Will A Bad Shift Solenoid Throw A Code?
Yes, a bad transmission solenoid will cause a code to be generated. Since auto parts can’t speak like people can, they can easily communicate with the car’s computer via error codes.
Like the majority of other automotive components, the transmission solenoid sends information to the computer system. P0750 stands for “Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Malfunction” in the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) system.
Either the circuit’s power side or the ground side can be used to control shift solenoids. A 12 V signal from the (TCM) transmission control module powers the solenoid on some transmissions.
These are the error codes that a malfunctioning shift solenoid will generate:
| Trouble Code | Meaning |
| P0750 – Shift Solenoid A Malfunction | Demonstrates that solenoid (A) has failed. |
| P0751 – Shift Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off | Performance difficulties exist with Shift Solenoid A. |
| P0752 – Shift Solenoid A Stuck On | The ON position of Shift Solenoid A is unresponsive. |
| P0753 – Shift Solenoid A Electrical | Electrical problems with Shift Solenoid A. |
| P0754 – Shift Solenoid A Intermittent | There is an intermittent electrical problem with Shift Solenoid A. |
| P0755 – Shift Solenoid B Malfunction | The shift solenoid B is broken. |
| P0756 – Shift Solenoid B Performance or Stock Off | Issues with performance affect Shift Solenoid B. |
| P0757 – Shift Solenoid B Stuck On | The position of Shift Solenoid B is fixed at “ON.” |
| P0758 – Shift Solenoid B Electrical | Electrical problems with Shift Solenoid B |
| P0759 – Shift Solenoid B Intermittent | There is an intermittent electrical problem with Shift Solenoid B. |
| P075A – Shift Solenoid G Malfunction | There is a problem with shift solenoid G. |
| P075B – Shift Solenoid G Performance/Stuck Off | The performance of Shift Solenoid G is poor. |
| P075C – Shift Solenoid G Stuck On | The ON position of Shift Solenoid G is unmoving. |
| P075D – Shift Solenoid G Electrical | Electrical problems with Shift Solenoid G |
| P075E – Shift Solenoid G Intermittent | Switch Solenoid G has sporadic electrical problems. |
| P075F – Transmission Fluid Level Too High | The transmission fluid level has been found to be too high by the TFL sensor. |
| P0760 – Shift Solenoid C Malfunction | Defective shift solenoid C |
| P0761 – Shift Solenoid C Performance or Stuck Off | Shift Solenoid C has poor performance. |
| P0762 – Shift Solenoid C Stuck On | Solenoid C for the shift stuck in the ON position. |
| P0763 – Shift Solenoid C Electrical | Electrical problems with shift solenoid C |
| P0764 Shift Solenoid C Intermittent | Switch Solenoid C has sporadic electrical problems. |
| P0765 Shift Solenoid D Malfunction | A problem with shift solenoid D. |
| P0766 Shift Solenoid D Performance or Stuck Off | Poor performance with Shift Solenoid D. |
| P0767 Shift Solenoid D Stuck On | Solenoid D of the shift stuck in the ON position |
| P0768 Shift Solenoid D Electrical | Shift Solenoid D has electrical issues. |
| P0769 Shift Solenoid D Intermittent | Switch Solenoid D has sporadic electrical problems. |
| P076A Shift Solenoid H Malfunction | The Shift Solenoid H has failed. |
| P076B Shift Solenoid H Performance/Stuck Off | Poor performance with Shift Solenoid H. |
| P076C Shift Solenoid H Stuck On | Solenoid H of the shift stuck in the ON position. |
| P076D Shift Solenoid H Electrical | Electrical problems with Shift Solenoid H. |
| P076E Shift Solenoid H Intermittent | Switch Solenoid H suffers sporadic electrical problems. |
| P076F Gear 7 Incorrect Ratio | Improper fluid pressure prevents the transmission from shifting into seventh gear. |
| P0770 Shift Solenoid E Malfunction | The shift solenoid E has failed. |
| P0771 Shift Solenoid E Performance or Stuck Off | Performance difficulties exist with Shift Solenoid E. |
| P0772 Shift Solenoid E Stuck On | Solenoid E for the shift stuck in the ON position. |
| P0773 Shift Solenoid E Electrical | Electrical difficulties exist with Shift Solenoid E. |
| P0774 Shift Solenoid E Intermittent | Switch Solenoid E has sporadic electrical problems. |
Can You Drive with a Bad Shift Solenoid?
The flow of transmission fluid will be restricted and considerably reduced by a defective shift solenoid, which will also cause a check engine light, delayed gear changes, an inability to shift gears at all, or a limp mode.
Basically, to engage a certain gear, transmission fluids pass through the solenoids under pressure and into the valve body.
The shift solenoids are unable to maintain a steady supply of pressurized transmission fluid when they are clogged. You will have trouble shifting or your car won’t be able to change gears at all without the fluid.
However, it is not advisable to drive with a bad shift solenoid because the solenoid code that appears is a sign that something is wrong.
You risk doing more harm to the transmission than just the initial code if you continue to drive without having the issue examined and remedied.
The solenoid may appear to be a very small component of the TCU, but if it is neglected, it can actually lead to a lot of other problems.
Your vehicle may enter limp mode as a result of a malfunctioning solenoid; this serves to save your engine and transmission against catastrophic failure and a serious accident.
A car loses all of its power and acceleration capabilities when it enters In Limp Mode.
Repair and Replacement Cost for Shift Solenoid
For one solenoid, replacing the shift solenoid in an automatic transmission might cost anywhere between $200 and $500. The price rises to between $250 and $700 if the damage necessitates replacing the complete solenoid pack.
Once your mechanic obtains the component, replacing the solenoid pack should take between 2.5 and 5 hours, and replacing a single solenoid should take slightly less time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of a bad automatic transmission solenoid?
There may be delayed gear shifting, you may be unable to downshift and your engine will continue to rev, your transmission may become stuck in neutral, and gear shifting may become jerky and difficult to regulate while driving. These are the main symptoms of a faulty transmission control solenoid.
Q: Why won’t my car move when I put it in drive or reverse?
Transmission fluid is required to keep the transmission greased and functioning properly. The fluid is likely low if you’ve ever found that your car will go just fine in drive but not reverse. The transmission leak has to be corrected.
Q: What happens when a shift solenoid goes bad?
Neglecting a warning light or code generated by a broken gearbox shift solenoid might result in major issues including operating your car in the incorrect gear for the speed and road conditions. Your transmission may then overheat as a result, failing.
Also read: How To Tell If A 4wd Actuator Is Bad? (Explained)
Final Thoughts
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