P0731 Code Definition
- Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
What does this mean?
The purpose of the automatic transmission is to match the engine’s optimum power and torque characteristics to the driver’s desired rate of acceleration and speed by auto-selecting different gear ratios or ‘speeds’ to power the wheels.
P0731 Code When the P0731 code is set in the Powertrain Computer, it means that the Powertrain Computer or PCM is seeing greater than a specified RPM difference between the rotational speed of the Input RPM Sensor and the Transmission Output RPM Sensor in Gear 1. This can occur during shifting or when driving at steady speeds in the same gear. It often implies that the transmission is slipping.
Symptoms:
- Check Engine Light will illuminate
- Vehicle will not shift properly
- Decrease in fuel economy
- In unusual cases, there are no adverse conditions noticed by the driver
- In some cases, there may be performance problems, such as improper/slipping gear shifts
Possible Problems:
- Defective Gear 1 Shift Solenoid
- Defective Forward Clutch
- Defective Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
- Defective Valve Body
- Dirty transmission fluid that restricts the hydraulic passages
Possible Misdiagnoses:
- Engine Misfire problem
- Internal Transmission problem
- Driveline problem
Polluting Gases Expelled
- HCs (Hydrocarbons): Unburned droplets of raw fuel that smell, affect breathing, and contribute to smog
- CO (Carbon Monoxide): Partially burned fuel that is an odorless and deadly poisonous gas
- NOX (Oxides of Nitrogen): One of the two ingredients that, when exposed to sunlight, cause smog
P0731 Diagnostic Code Notes:
When diagnosing a P0731 code, it is important to record the freeze frame information and then to duplicate the code setting conditions with a test drive. Pay close attention to the engine load, throttle position, RPM, and road speed because a P0731 can be difficult to detect.