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DTC codes / P07xx · Transmission / P0773

P0773Shift Solenoid 'E' Electrical

P0773 means the transmission control module (TCM) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for shift solenoid 'E', which is one of the solenoids that controls hydraulic pressure to engage or release a specific clutch or band inside the automatic transmission. The computer monitors the solenoid's electrical path and sets this code when the current or voltage falls outside the expected range, indicating an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaTransmission

Symptoms you may notice

  • The check engine light or transmission warning light illuminates on the dashboard.
  • The transmission may shift harshly or flare between gears, especially when changing into the gear controlled by solenoid 'E'.
  • The transmission may stick in a single gear or enter limp mode, limiting vehicle speed.
  • Delayed or no engagement when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty shift solenoid 'E' itself, such as a burned coil or stuck plunger.
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the solenoid or transmission case.
  3. Open or shorted wire in the circuit between the TCM and the solenoid.
  4. Poor electrical connection at the transmission bulkhead connector or TCM plug.
  5. Contaminated transmission fluid (ATF) causing solenoid malfunction or sticking.
  6. Internal transmission mechanical wear that affects solenoid 'E' operation indirectly.
  7. Rarely, a failed TCM driver circuit for that solenoid.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Check the transmission fluid level and condition; top off or replace fluid if contaminated.
  2. Inspect the solenoid 'E' connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  3. Measure the resistance of solenoid 'E' with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification.
  4. Test the circuit from the TCM to the solenoid for continuity, shorts to ground, and shorts to power.
  5. If the solenoid is faulty, replace it and clear the code; verify the repair with a test drive.
  6. If wiring is damaged, repair or replace the affected section of the harness.
  7. If the TCM is suspected, perform pinpoint tests according to the service manual before replacement.

Solenoid E faults often hide in the harness

  • A common oversight is replacing the solenoid without checking the wiring harness, which often suffers from heat damage or chafing near the transmission.
  • Intermittent P0773 codes can be caused by a loose ground connection at the transmission or engine block, so always verify grounds before condemning parts.
  • The code does not always mean the solenoid is dead; a shorted or open circuit elsewhere in the harness can trigger the same code.
  • Some vehicles use a single solenoid for multiple functions, so a mechanical fault inside the transmission can mimic an electrical solenoid failure.
  • After repairs, the TCM may need to relearn shift adaptives; a simple code clear without a drive cycle can lead to a false repeat code.

Can I keep driving with P0773?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P0773 set, but the transmission may enter limp mode or shift erratically, which can be unsafe in traffic. Avoid sustained high-speed driving and seek diagnosis soon to prevent further transmission damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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