P0773: Shift Solenoid "E" Electrical
Shift Solenoid "E" Electrical: an electrical fault is present. Shift solenoids route transmission hydraulic pressure to engage the gears; faults cause harsh, delayed, or missed shifts.
What P0773 means
P0773 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the transmission group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Common causes
- 01Open or shorted windingMost likely
- 02Wiring or connector faultPossible
Can I drive with P0773?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0773
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0773. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P0758, P0768, P0763. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Shift solenoid, Solenoid wiring) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Open or shorted winding; wiring or connector fault. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0773 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Shift solenoid
- Solenoid wiring
P0773 FAQ
What does P0773 mean?
P0773 means “Shift Solenoid E Electrical”. Shift Solenoid "E" Electrical: an electrical fault is present. Shift solenoids route transmission hydraulic pressure to engage the gears; faults cause harsh, delayed, or missed shifts.
Is P0773 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0773 as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes P0773?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Open or shorted winding; Wiring or connector fault. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0773?
Typical labor is about $190–$1,000 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0773 myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0773 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.