P0746 Code: Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off
Solenoid A doesn't control pressure as commanded: harsh or soft shifts, or limp mode.
At a glance
Severity: Moderate
- Meaning
- Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off
- System
- Transmission · Powertrain
- Safe to drive?
- With caution
- Typical repair cost
- $150–$5,500
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
A pressure control solenoid is a variable-force valve that sets how hard the transmission's clutches and bands clamp; the TCM changes its current to raise or lower pressure for each shift and throttle position. Which solenoid is 'A' depends on the transmission – often the main line pressure solenoid (Ford calls it EPC), on newer units the first clutch pressure solenoid. P0746 means the electrical circuit looks fine, but the result doesn't follow the command: a pressure sensor or switch disagrees with what was asked for, or shift times and slip show pressure isn't changing. Debris or varnish holding the solenoid valve, worn valve body bores, and old or low fluid are the usual causes. Depending on design and failure, shifts become harsh, soft and slipping, or the TCM falls back to limp mode.
Can I keep driving? Drive gently and only as needed. If shifts are soft or slipping, clutches are overheating; if they're harsh, drivetrain parts take a beating. In limp mode, keep speeds moderate and head to a shop.
How to read P0746
- P Powertrain
- 0 Generic (SAE)
- 7 Transmission
- 46 Specific fault
Symptoms
- Harsh, banging shifts or a hard clunk into Drive and Reverse
- Soft, drawn-out shifts with rpm flare, especially when warm
- Transmission stuck in limp mode (often 2nd, 3rd or a fixed ratio)
- Shift quality that changes from one drive to the next
- On CVTs: judder, weak acceleration or rpm flaring
- Check engine light, often with a ratio or slip code
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Solenoid valve sticking from debris or varnish
- Low, old or wrong-spec fluid, or a clogged filter
- Worn valve body bore at the pressure regulator or boost valve
- Worn pump that can't reach commanded pressure
- Faulty transmission pressure sensor or switch giving false feedback
- High resistance in wiring or connector reducing solenoid current
- TCM software or adaptive values needing update or reset
Diagnosis step by step
Identify solenoid A on your transmission
Look up which solenoid the manufacturer calls 'pressure control solenoid A' – line pressure, EPC or a specific clutch solenoid. That tells you where it is, how it is accessed and which symptoms to expect.
Tools: OBD-II scanner
Check fluid level and condition
Check the fluid level at the specified temperature and look for dark, burnt or varnished fluid. Pressure solenoids have fine screens and tight clearances, so contaminated fluid is a leading cause of sticking.
Tools: Flashlight, Towels & shallow pan
Compare commanded and actual values
In live data, compare commanded solenoid current with actual current, and commanded pressure with the pressure sensor reading if fitted. Current that tracks correctly while pressure doesn't suggests a sticking valve; current that doesn't track suggests wiring or the TCM.
Tools: OBD-II scanner
Measure line pressure with a gauge
A transmission shop fits a gauge and, where the scan tool allows, steps the solenoid command up and down. Pressure should follow smoothly; if it stays stuck high or low, the solenoid or its regulator valve isn't responding.
Inspect the pan and solenoid screen
Remove the pan and check the filter, magnet and, where accessible, the solenoid's inlet screen. Clutch material or metal here means the cause may be internal wear rather than the solenoid itself.
Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Torque wrench
Replace, then relearn
If the solenoid or valve body is replaced, reset adaptive values and run the relearn drive. Many units shift badly until the TCM relearns clutch fill pressures.
Tools: OBD-II scanner
Where the parts are
- 1Battery
- 2Alternator
- 3Engine computer (ECM)
- 4CAN bus
- 5Transmission
- 6Wheel speed sensor
- 7High-voltage battery
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid and filter service | No | $150–$400 |
| Replace pressure control solenoid | No | $300–$800 |
| Replace transmission pressure sensor | No | $200–$550 |
| Repair or replace valve body | No | $600–$1,600 |
| Transmission overhaul if the pump or clutches are worn | No | $2,800–$5,500 |
Rough US estimates for parts and labor; shop rates vary by region. Not a quote.
Notes by brand
Nissan
On many Nissan CVTs, P0746 refers to the line pressure solenoid, so pressure problems show up as judder, slipping or weak acceleration rather than harsh shifts. Check CVT fluid condition first; valve body replacement is a common fix when the solenoid sticks.
Field data
| Nissan | 13 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | 2 | Cr-V, Pilot | |
| Toyota | 2 | Camry, Sienna | |
| Volkswagen | 2 | Jetta |
Source: NHTSA Complaints API (US government open data), analyzed by DTC mention.
Emissions / smog test impact
Will fail
P0746 sets the check engine light, which fails an OBD emissions test. Once repaired, let the monitors complete before retesting.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my shifts harsh with a pressure solenoid fault?
Many transmissions default to maximum line pressure when pressure control fails, so clutches don't slip. It protects the transmission but makes every shift and engagement feel like a bang.
Can a fluid change fix P0746?
Sometimes, if varnish or dirty fluid is making the solenoid sticky and it's caught early. If the solenoid still sticks after fresh fluid and a relearn, it or the valve body needs replacing.
Is the pressure control solenoid expensive to replace?
On many rear-drive units it's reachable by removing the pan, which keeps the cost moderate. On transmissions where it's part of a valve body or mechatronic unit, the job and parts cost much more.