Our emissions expert has put together the following information about the P0733 fault code. We have also included diagnostic procedures you can take to your repair shop if the mechanic is having difficulty analyzing the code.
Trouble Code:
P0733 Code- Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
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 dying when coming to a stop after driving on the freeway and/or misfire-like symptoms
Common Problems That Trigger the P0733 Code
- Defective 3rd gear shift solenoid
- Defective 3rd gear related gear set or clutch pack
- Defective Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
- Defective Valve Body
- Dirty transmission fluid that restricts the hydraulic passages
Common 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
P0733 Diagnostic Code:
When diagnosing a P0733 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 P0733 can be difficult to detect.
One should monitor the RPM input speed and compare that to output speed RPM on a smooth, flat surface after the vehicle is warmed up and the fuel system is in a closed loop. Monitor how the 3rd gear solenoid configuration responds to an increased amount of throttle. The 3rd gear related solenoids should stay in the 3rd gear configuration and the transmission should NOT slip.