P0733 Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in third gear

Gear 3 incorrect ratio

P0733 in short

P0733 means the transmission computer measured input and output speeds that do not match third gear, so third is slipping or not engaging. Bulletins point to a worn clutch pack, such as the D clutch on some FCA eight-speeds, and to software. 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 three, the gear is slipping or not fully engaged, and the computer sets this code.

FCA has a D clutch repair for P0733 on several 2017–2023 models with the 850RE eight-speed, and says the whole transmission does not need replacing. Ford traced P0733 to a failed direct clutch on 2008–2013 F-150s and to no-third-gear faults on older Rangers and Explorers. Jeep fixed some 2014–2015 Cherokees with software.

Start with a bulletin check by VIN. If one applies, the dealer repair may be far smaller than a new transmission.

Most likely causes

  1. Worn D clutch (FCA 850RE eight-speed)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    FCA replaces the D clutch for P0733 on 2020–2023 Chrysler 300 and other 850RE models, and says transmission replacement is not required on the Durango.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered FCA model with at least 7,000 miles and P0733 stored.

  2. Failed direct clutch (Ford 4R75E family)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford ties slipping in third or no fourth, with P0733 or P0734, to direct clutch failure on 2008–2013 F-150, E-Series and Crown Victoria.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Ford with the overdrive off lamp on or slipping in third.

  3. Internal fault giving no third gear (older Ford)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford bulletins link no third gear or a slipping 2-3 shift with P0733 on some 2002–2005 Explorer, Ranger and Escape models.
    What would change this
    Rises if the car skips or slips in third on a covered Ford.

  4. Transmission computer software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Jeep reprograms the transmission computer on some 2014–2015 Cherokees with P0733.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Cherokee that has not had the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  5. 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.

  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.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for a P0733 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a transmission shop watch commanded gear and speed sensor readings on a road test, and check clutch pressures if needed.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with transmission data and output controls

    Warning:Shop test. It is done while driving or on a lift, often with pressure gauges, and needs the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Slipping in third, or no third gear Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Overdrive off or transmission warning lamp flashing on some Fords
  • Transmission stuck in one gear (limp-home mode) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open P0733 bulletin or software update. FCA (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) and Ford have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0733 unless a test points to it. FCA says a D clutch repair, not a new transmission, fixes the 850RE condition.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chrysler

  • 2020–2023 · 300

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA 21-009-25 replaces the D clutch for P0733 with P1DA8 or P1D92 on the 850RE eight-speed. 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

  • 21-009-25 REV. CStatus unverified

    850RE D clutch repair for P0733 / P1DA8 / P1D92

    2020–2023300 · issued · NHTSA 11020636

    Applies with a MIL, at least 7,000 miles, and P0733-00 (gear 3 incorrect ratio), P1DA8 or P1D92. The repair replaces the D clutch. Other FCA models with the 850RE 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.

  • 21-009-25Status unverified

    D clutch repair for P0733 / P1DA8 / P1D92

    2020–2023300 · issued · NHTSA 11013016

    Earlier version of the same D clutch repair. 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.

Dodge

  • 2017–2022 · Durango

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA 9100534 says a repair is available for P0733 with P1DA8 or P1D92 and transmission replacement is not required. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

    Where it is:Inside the transmission

  • 9100534Status unverified

    Transmission replacement not required for P0733 / P1DA8 / P1D92

    2017–2022durango · issued · NHTSA 11016061

    A repair is available for these codes and transmission replacement is not required; refers to 21-009-25 for the D clutch. 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.

Jeep

  • 2014–2015 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA 21-027-14 reprograms the transmission computer for a MIL with P0733. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 21-027-14Status unverified

    Transmission computer flash for MIL with P0733, P061B, P1DB8

    2014–2015cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10139601

    Erases and reprograms the transmission computer with new software. 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.

Ford

  • 2008–2013 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford ASI-44538 ties P0733 or P0734 to direct clutch failure, with slipping in third or no fourth. On 2004 trucks built before 16 September 2003, 17305 covers the same code pair on the 4R75E. 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

  • 2002 · Explorer

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford 03254 covers no third gear or a slipping 2-3 shift with P0733 on the 5R55W, built before 4 March 2002. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2001–2005 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford 04141 covers cold-climate shift concerns with P0733 on the CD4E. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2004–2005 · Ranger

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford 05611 covers no third gear with P0733 on trucks built before 23 September 2004. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • ASI-44538Status unverified

    Overdrive off lamp, slipping in third or no fourth, direct clutch failure

    2008–2013f-150, e-150, e-250, e-350, crown-victoria · issued · NHTSA 10056191

    Direct clutch failure with P0733 and/or P0734. Other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 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.

  • 05611Status unverified

    No third gear, P0733 and flashing transmission lamp

    2004–2005ranger, explorer-sport-trac · issued · NHTSA 10017899

    Vehicles built before 23 September 2004. 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.

  • 03254Status unverified

    5R55W no third gear or slipping 2-3 shift, P0733 and P0745

    2002explorer · issued · NHTSA 10014089

    Vehicles built before 4 March 2002. 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.

  • 04141Status unverified

    Transmission lamp with P1783 and/or P0733, cold-climate shift concerns, CD4E

    2001–2005escape · issued · NHTSA 10009323

    Cold-climate shift and engagement concerns on the CD4E transaxle. 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.

  • 17305Status unverified

    4R75E transmission lamp with P0733 and/or P0734

    2004f-150 · 4.6L, 5.4L · issued · NHTSA 10004946

    4.6L and 5.4L trucks built before 16 September 2003. 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.

  • P0700Transmission module requests the check engine light

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0733. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0733 can be that code, so fix P0733 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0734Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in fourth gear

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford ties both codes to a failed direct clutch on some 2008–2013 models and to a 4R75E condition on 2004 F-150s.

  • P0732Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in second gear

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Older Ford bulletins list P0732 and P0733 together for missing upshifts and low line pressure.

  • P0731Transmission computer sees the wrong speed ratio in first gear

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    Both are gear ratio checks on the same transmission, for different gears.

  • P061BEngine computer’s internal torque calculation check failed

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Jeep's bulletin 21-027-14 flashes the transmission computer for a check engine light with P0733, P061B and P1DB8.

All Transmission codes

P0733 questions

Do I need a new transmission for P0733?

Not always. FCA says a D clutch repair, not a new transmission, fixes the condition on many 850RE vehicles, and Jeep fixed some Cherokees with software.

Is it safe to drive with P0733?

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.

Why do P0733 and P0734 often appear together?

On some Fords, Ford ties a single failed part, the direct clutch, to slipping in third and no fourth, so both codes can set together.

Sources and review

  1. Toyota Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
  2. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  3. FCA 21-009-25: D clutch repair, P0733 / P1DA8 / P1D92 — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  4. FCA 21-009-25 REV. C: 850RE D clutch repair — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  5. FCA 9100534: Transmission replacement not required for P0733 / P1DA8 / P1D92, Durango — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  6. Ford ASI-44538: Overdrive off lamp, slipping in 3rd or no 4th, direct clutch failure, P0733 / P0734 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  7. Ford 17305: TCIL on with P0733 and/or P0734, 4R75E — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  8. Ford 05611: No 3rd gear, P0733 and flashing TCIL — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  9. Ford 03254: 5R55W no 3rd gear or slipping 2-3 shift, P0733 and P0745 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  10. Ford 04141: TCIL on with P1783 and/or P0733, cold climate shift concerns, CD4E — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  11. FCA 21-027-14: TCM flash for MIL with P0733, P061B, P1DB8, 2014–2015 Cherokee — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  12. Tranny Problems: On the Outside Looking In — MOTOR Magazine ,
  13. Ford 19N01-S3: 6R80 molded leadframe extended coverage, 2011–2013 F-150 and 2012–2013 Expedition/Navigator — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  14. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  15. Ford 15887: No 1-2 or 2-3 upshift, P0732 or P0733 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  16. Ford 02138: Low line pressure at wide open throttle, slipping shifts, P0732 / P0733 / P1762 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  17. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
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

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.