P0736 Reverse gear ratio is wrong

Reverse incorrect gear ratio

P0736 in short

P0736 means the transmission computer measured the wrong ratio between engine speed and output speed while in reverse, so reverse may slip or not engage. Low or burnt fluid and internal wear are the usual causes. You need reverse to park safely, so have it inspected soon and check for a bulletin.

Every gear has a fixed ratio between the speed going into the transmission and the speed coming out. In reverse, the computer compares the two. If they do not match what reverse should give, it sets P0736, which is the sign of slip inside the transmission.

Sources split the causes into the cheap and the costly. Low or degraded fluid and clogged passages come first, then solenoids, the valve body and pump pressure. Internal clutch wear or damage ranks last because it is the repair that needs the transmission removed.

Some makers also fix it with software. Hyundai issued reprogramming for the 2005 Elantra, Tiburon and Tucson, and Ford covers harsh or delayed engagement on its 10-speed automatics. A bulletin check by VIN is a good first step.

Most likely causes

  1. Low or degraded transmission fluid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list fluid first, and it is the only cause an owner can check without tools.
    What would change this
    Rises if the fluid is low, dark or burnt-smelling.

  2. Valve body, pressure or shift solenoid fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Kelley Blue Book names the valve body, low line pressure and a shift solenoid, which all change how hard the reverse clutch is applied.
    What would change this
    Rises if other solenoid or pressure codes are stored with it.

  3. Transmission software (some Hyundai and Ford models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Hyundai reprograms the 2005 Elantra, Tiburon and Tucson for P0736, and Ford bulletins cover harsh or delayed shifts on 10-speed automatics.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered vehicle that has not had the update.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  4. Worn or damaged internal clutches or pump

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a failed pump and internal failure, which is the repair that needs the transmission removed.
    What would change this
    Rises if fluid is burnt or holds metal, and the fix and test steps above do not clear it.

  5. Transmission control module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net calls a module fault rare for this code.
    What would change this
    Rises only after fluid, solenoids and software are ruled out.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

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.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check the fluid level and condition by the maker's method, and note colour and smell.

    Use caution

    Warning:Many modern transmissions are sealed with no dipstick. Do not remove fill plugs yourself: the level depends on fluid temperature.

  3. Ask a dealer, or search by VIN, for a P0736 or harsh-engagement bulletin for your vehicle.

    Low risk

  4. Have a transmission shop test line pressure and solenoid response and inspect the fluid for debris.

    Best left to a shopTool: pressure gauge and transmission scan tool

    Warning:Shop test. It needs the maker's pressure specifications.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Delayed or no engagement when you select reverse
  • Reverse slips or revs without moving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Harsh shifts on some Fords and Jaguars

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 bulletin. Hyundai, Ford and GM have issued them for this code.

  3. Avoid towing or heavy loads, and use reverse gently, until a shop has looked at it.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0736 unless a test points to it. TroubleCodes.net calls a module fault rare for this code.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Hyundai

  • 2005 · Elantra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 0540015 gives reprogramming instructions for P0736 on the 2005 Elantra, and also covers the Tiburon and Tucson. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2005 · Tiburon

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 0540015 covers P0736 reprogramming on the 2005 Tiburon. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2005 · Tucson

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 0540015 covers P0736 reprogramming on the 2005 Tucson. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 0540015Status unverified

    Reprogramming for P0736 reverse gear incorrect ratio

    2005elantra, tiburon, tucson · NHTSA 10016891

    Hyundai gives reprogramming instructions for a check engine light with P0736 stored on the 2005 Elantra, Tiburon and Tucson. 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.

GMC

  • 2001–2019 · Sierra 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP4379N lists P0736 among the codes for trucks that will not engage drive or have delayed or no reverse. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2001–2019 · Sierra 2500 HD

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP4379N covers heavy-duty Sierras with no drive engagement or delayed or no reverse, P0736 among the codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIP4379NStatus unverified

    No engagement into drive, delayed or no reverse, range inhibit

    2001–2019sierra-1500, sierra-2500-hd · NHTSA 10145478

    GM preliminary information for trucks that will not engage drive, engage reverse late or not at all, or show a range inhibit. P0736 is among the codes it lists. Covers Chevrolet Silverado 2500 as well. 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.

Chevrolet

  • 2001–2019 · Silverado 2500 HD

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP4379N also names the Silverado 2500 for no drive engagement or delayed or no reverse. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIP4379NStatus unverified

    No engagement into drive, delayed or no reverse, range inhibit

    2001–2019sierra-1500, sierra-2500-hd · NHTSA 10145478

    GM preliminary information for trucks that will not engage drive, engage reverse late or not at all, or show a range inhibit. P0736 is among the codes it lists. Covers Chevrolet Silverado 2500 as well. 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

  • 2017–2021 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2357 covers harsh or delayed engagement and shifts on 10R80 trucks, with P0736 among possible codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2018–2021 · Expedition

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2357 covers harsh or delayed engagement and shifts on 10R80 Expeditions, with P0736 among possible codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2018–2021 · Mustang

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2357 covers harsh or delayed engagement and shifts on 10R80 Mustangs, with P0736 among possible codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2019–2021 · Ranger

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2357 covers harsh or delayed engagement and shifts on 10R80 Rangers, with P0736 among possible codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2020 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 20-2375 covers harsh engagement or shifts on 2020 Super Duty trucks with the 10R140. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2020 · F-350 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 20-2375 covers harsh engagement or shifts on 2020 Super Duty trucks with the 10R140. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2020 · Explorer

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 20-2403 covers harsh engagement or shifts on the 2020 Explorer with the 10R60 or 10R80. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2020–2021 · Transit

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2377 covers harsh engagement and harsh or delayed shifts on 2020-2021 Transit vans, with P0736 among possible codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • TSB 21-2357Status unverified

    10R80 harsh or delayed engagement and shifts

    2017–2021f-150, expedition, mustang, ranger · NHTSA 10205526

    Ford covers harsh or delayed engagement and shifts on 10-speed automatics, with or without a check engine light and codes including P0736. Supersedes 21-2315. Lincoln Navigator is also covered. 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.

  • TSB 20-2375Status unverified

    2020 Super Duty 10R140 harsh engagement or shifts

    2020f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty · NHTSA 10184638

    Ford covers harsh engagement or shifts on 2020 Super Duty trucks with the 10R140 automatic, with or without codes including P0736. 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.

  • TSB 20-2403Status unverified

    10R60/10R80 harsh engagement or shifts

    2020explorer · NHTSA 10183420

    Ford covers harsh engagement or shifts on the 2020 Explorer and police utility with the 10R60 or 10R80, with codes that can include P0736. Lincoln Aviator is also covered. 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.

  • TSB 21-2377Status unverified

    Transit harsh engagement or shifts

    2020–2021transit · NHTSA 10202861

    Ford covers harsh engagement and harsh or delayed shifts on 2020-2021 Transit vans, with codes that can include P0729, P0731, P0732 and P0736. 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.

Lincoln

  • 2018–2021 · Navigator

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 21-2357 also covers the Lincoln Navigator for harsh or delayed engagement and shifts. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2020 · Aviator

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 20-2403 also covers the 2020 Lincoln Aviator for harsh engagement or shifts. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • TSB 21-2357Status unverified

    10R80 harsh or delayed engagement and shifts

    2017–2021f-150, expedition, mustang, ranger · NHTSA 10205526

    Ford covers harsh or delayed engagement and shifts on 10-speed automatics, with or without a check engine light and codes including P0736. Supersedes 21-2315. Lincoln Navigator is also covered. 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.

  • TSB 20-2403Status unverified

    10R60/10R80 harsh engagement or shifts

    2020explorer · NHTSA 10183420

    Ford covers harsh engagement or shifts on the 2020 Explorer and police utility with the 10R60 or 10R80, with codes that can include P0736. Lincoln Aviator is also covered. 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.

Jaguar

  • 2003 · S-Type

    Supported by vehicle data

    Jaguar bulletin 30709 describes harsh shifts and a warning lamp with reverse selected and P0736 stored on the 2003 S-Type. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 30709Status unverified

    Harsh shifts and warning lamp with reverse selected, P0736

    2003s-type · NHTSA 10012516

    Jaguar describes a 2003 S-Type with harsh shifts and the warning lamp on when reverse is selected, with P0736 stored. 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.

No curated relationships for P0736 yet.

All Transmission codes

P0736 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0736?

You can usually drive forward, but reverse may slip or fail, which makes parking risky. Kelley Blue Book rates it high severity. Have a shop look at it soon.

Is P0736 only a fluid problem?

Sometimes, but not always. Low or burnt fluid is the first thing to check, then solenoids and the valve body. Internal wear is the costly outcome, and some Hyundai and Ford models have software fixes.

Sources and review

  1. P0736 Code: Reverse Incorrect Ratio — Kelley Blue Book
  2. P0736 Trouble Code: Reverse -incorrect ratio — TroubleCodes.net
  3. TSB 05-40-015: Reprogramming for DTC P0736 — Hyundai Motor America
  4. TSB 21-2357: 10R80 harsh engagement/shift/delayed shift — Ford Motor Company
  5. TSB 20-2375: 2020 Super Duty 10R140 harsh/delayed shift — Ford Motor Company
  6. PIP4379N: No engagement into drive, delayed or no reverse, or range inhibit — General Motors
  7. TSB 20-2403: 2020 Explorer / Aviator 10R60 and 10R80 harsh engagement or shifts — Ford Motor Company
  8. TSB 21-2377: 2020-2021 Transit harsh engagement/shift — Ford Motor Company
  9. TSB 30709: Harsh shifts, MIL on with reverse selected, DTC P0736 — Jaguar Land Rover
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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