P0732: Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in second gear
Gear 2 incorrect ratio
Severity: Inspect soon
Toyota tells owners to have the car inspected right away when the check engine light comes on for the automatic transmission, and regulations require the light when the transmission falls back to limp-home mode.
It gets more serious if:
- Not verified: The transmission goes into limp-home mode (stuck in one gear), slips, or will not shift. Regulations require the light in limp-home mode, but we found no source saying whether you must stop
P0732 in short
P0732 means the transmission computer measured input and output speeds that do not match second gear, so second is slipping or not engaging. Bulletins point to low line pressure, internal faults on older Fords and software on some Chrysler and Jeep models. Have it inspected soon and check for a bulletin first.
The transmission computer knows which gear it has asked for and reads the speed going in and the speed coming out. If the two speeds do not match the ratio of gear two, the gear is slipping or not fully engaged, and the computer sets this code.
Older Ford bulletins tie P0732 to a missing 1-2 upshift, or to low line pressure with slipping shifts. Chrysler and Jeep have transmission computer updates for some newer models, and Ford lists P0732 among its 10R80 shift codes.
A scan for other codes and a bulletin check by VIN come first. Most real repairs are inside the transmission.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Low line pressure (older Ford 4R44E/5R55E family)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford ties low line pressure at full throttle, slipping shifts and P0732 together on 1995–2002 Explorer, Ranger and related models.
- What would change this
- Rises if a shop measures low line pressure on a covered Ford.
Cause 2: Internal fault giving no 1-2 upshift
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford bulletins link a missing 1-2 upshift with P0732 on several older transmissions.
- What would change this
- Rises if the car holds first gear and never shifts into second.
Cause 3: Transmission computer software
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- FCA updates the transmission computer on some Pacifica and Wrangler models with P0732, and an earlier Chrysler bulletin pairs P0732 with shift quality improvements.
- What would change this
- Rises on a covered 2017 Pacifica or 2021 Wrangler that has not had the update.
Cause 4: Input or output speed sensor giving a false reading
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- The ratio is worked out from speed sensor signals, so a bad sensor or connection can make a healthy gear look wrong. Ford ties an output speed sensor fault in the 6R80 leadframe to P0731.
- What would change this
- Rises if a speed sensor code is also stored or a sensor reading drops out on the scan tool.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note every code, not just this one.
IfA speed sensor code is also stored
It meansCheck the sensor and its wiring before the gear itself.
Points to: Input or output speed sensor giving a false reading
IfP0732 with P0733, or with a pressure code on an older Ford
It meansThis pattern matches older Ford bulletins.
IfP0732 alone
It meansCheck for a bulletin.
Step 2: Check for a P0732 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.
IfA 2017 Pacifica or 2021 Wrangler
It meansHave the transmission computer updated first.
IfA 1995–2002 Explorer, Ranger or related Ford with slipping shifts
It meansFord points to low line pressure.
Points to: Low line pressure (older Ford 4R44E/5R55E family)
IfA 2004–2005 Freestar or Taurus, or a 1995–2002 Explorer or Ranger with no 1-2 upshift
It meansFollow the Ford bulletin for the shift fault.
IfNo bulletin applies
It meansA transmission shop needs to test it.
Step 3: Have a transmission shop check line pressure with a gauge and watch commanded gear and speed sensor readings on a road test.
Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, often with pressure gauges, and needs the maker's procedure.
IfLine pressure is low
It meansThe hydraulic supply is at fault.
Points to: Low line pressure (older Ford 4R44E/5R55E family)
IfA speed signal drops out while the car drives normally
It meansThe sensor or its wiring is at fault.
Points to: Input or output speed sensor giving a false reading
IfPressure and sensors are fine but second slips
It meansThe fault is inside the transmission.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- No shift from first to second, or a slipping 1-2 shift Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Shudder or poor shift quality on some Chrysler models
- Transmission stuck in one gear (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0732 bulletin or software update. Chrysler, Jeep and Ford have issued them.
Parts and cost context
- Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0732 unless a test points to it. The Chrysler and Jeep fixes are software updates to the existing module.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChryslerYour car
2017 · Pacifica
Supported by vehicle dataFCA 21-008-21 updates the transmission computer software for P0732 and other codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.
21-008-21Status unverified
Transmission computer software update
2017pacifica · issued · NHTSA 10190702
Reprograms the transmission computer after a MIL with transmission codes including P0732. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
2100207Status unverified
Torque converter shudder, shift quality improvements, P0732
2007300, pacifica, sebring · issued · NHTSA 10021089
Addresses torque converter shudder and shift quality and lists P0732. Dodge and Jeep models are also listed. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
JeepYour car
2021 · Wrangler
Supported by vehicle dataFCA 21-028-21 updates the transmission computer software for P0732 and other codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.
21-028-21Status unverified
Transmission computer software update
2021wrangler · issued · NHTSA 10218592
Reprograms the transmission computer after a MIL with transmission codes including P0732. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
FordYour car
1995–2002 · Explorer
Supported by vehicle dataFord 15887 links P0732 to a missing 1-2 or 2-3 upshift, and 02138 links it to low line pressure on trucks built before 1 December 2001. The Ranger is also covered. The bulletins are on NHTSA, but whether they are still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.
Where it is:Inside the transmission
2004–2005 · Freestar
Supported by vehicle dataFord 041512 covers no 1-2 upshift with P0732 on the 4F50N. The Taurus is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.
041512Status unverified
4F50N no 1-2 upshift and P0732
2004–2005freestar, taurus · issued · NHTSA 10011157
Covers a 4F50N transaxle with no 1-2 upshift and P0732. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
15887Status unverified
No 1-2 or 2-3 upshift, P0732 or P0733
1995–2002explorer, ranger, explorer-sport-trac, aerostar · issued · NHTSA 637755
Some vehicles may have no 1-2 or 2-3 upshift, no engine braking in manual 1, or P0732 or P0733. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
02138Status unverified
Low line pressure at wide open throttle with P0732 / P0733 / P1762
1995–2002explorer, ranger, explorer-sport-trac, aerostar · issued · NHTSA 635998
Low line pressure at full throttle with slipping shifts or delayed engagement, on vehicles built before 1 December 2001. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P0732 questions
What does P0732 feel like?
Often a missing or slipping shift from first to second, so the engine revs without the car picking up speed. Some cars show only the light.
Is it safe to drive with P0732?
Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light is on for the transmission. If it starts slipping or will not shift, get it checked before relying on it.
Can a software update fix P0732?
On some models, yes. Chrysler and Jeep have transmission computer updates for P0732, so ask a dealer to check your VIN first.
Sources and review
- Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U)
- Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II)
- Ford 02138: Low line pressure at wide open throttle, slipping shifts, P0732 / P0733 / P1762
- Ford 041512: 4F50N no 1-2 upshift and P0732
- Ford 15887: No 1-2 or 2-3 upshift, P0732 or P0733
- FCA 21-008-21: TCM software update, 2017 Pacifica
- FCA 21-028-21: TCM software update, 2021 Wrangler
- Chrysler 2100207: Torque converter shudder, shift quality improvements, P0732
- Tranny Problems: On the Outside Looking In
- Ford 19N01-S3: 6R80 molded leadframe extended coverage, 2011–2013 F-150 and 2012–2013 Expedition/Navigator
- DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System
- GM 010730009A: Intermittent no power with P0731 / P0732, 4T80-E
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error