Harsh or slipping shifts: Codes, Causes & Fixes

Harsh, delayed or slipping shifts in an automatic transmission often trace back to low or degraded fluid, a faulty shift or pressure control solenoid, a speed sensor problem or adaptive shift values that need relearning. Related codes sit mainly in the P07xx range, such as P0700 (transmission control system fault requested) and gear ratio codes P0730–P0736. Avoid heavy loads and long drives until the cause is known, because slipping quickly wears clutches and bands.

80Codes

3.1Average severity

23%High or critical

5%DIY-friendly

Severity distribution

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P0700 Powertrain The transmission computer found a fault and asked for the check engine light – read the TCM… Moderate P0741 Powertrain The torque converter lockup clutch slips or won't engage when the computer commands it. Moderate U0073 Network A module saw so many errors on CAN bus A that it shut off its own transmitter. High U0100 Network Another module stopped hearing from the engine computer on the CAN network. High U0121 Network Other modules stopped receiving data from the ABS module, so ABS and stability control are off. Moderate P0105 Powertrain The PCM lost a usable signal from the manifold pressure sensor: dropouts, noise or values it… Moderate

All codes (18)

All Severity 3+ Severity 4+

P0218 Powertrain The transmission fluid got hotter than the computer allows, from heavy load, low fluid… High P0730 Powertrain The transmission computer sees input and output shaft speeds that don't fit the gear it… High P0742 Powertrain The converter lockup clutch stays applied when it should be released, which can stall… High P0751 Powertrain Solenoid A is wired fine but its valve isn't doing its job, so gears are missing – often stuck… High P0756 Powertrain Solenoid B isn't moving fluid the way the TCM expects – the car may pull away in 3rd or 4th. High P07A3 Ford · Powertrain The PowerShift's odd-gear clutch isn't letting go when the TCM commands it open, so the car… High P0868 Powertrain Measured transmission line pressure is below what the TCM commanded – clutches can slip… High P0894 Powertrain The transmission computer measured slip inside the gearbox that shouldn't be there. Clutches… High P1735 Volkswagen · Powertrain The DSG control unit lost a valid signal from the sensor that tracks clutch 1 and locks out… High P175D Volkswagen · Powertrain The DSG computer saw clutch 1 let go while it was supposed to stay engaged, so it cut… High P1778 Nissan · Powertrain The Jatco CVT's step motor is being commanded, but the pulley ratio isn't following it as it… High P17F0 Nissan · Powertrain The TCM detected judder it blames on the CVT itself, usually belt or pulley slip inside… High U0001 Network A module found the high-speed CAN network itself misbehaving, not just one silent module. High U0073 Network A module saw so many errors on CAN bus A that it shut off its own transmitter. High U0100 Network Another module stopped hearing from the engine computer on the CAN network. High U0101 Network The engine computer and other modules stopped hearing from the transmission control module. High U0103 Network The electronic shifter (dial, knob or joystick) stopped talking to the transmission and engine… High U0404 Network The electronic shifter reports a lever position the transmission can't trust, so Park may not… High

Symptoms

Check engine light on 558 Loss of power 214 Rough idle 184 Limp mode 165 Poor fuel economy 146 Engine stalling 133 Car won't start 123 ABS / traction light on 65 Fuel smell 34 Check engine light flashing 22