P073E: Transmission unable to engage reverse
Unable to engage reverse
Severity: Inspect soon
A transmission that cannot engage reverse limits where you can drive and can be a sign of a wider fault. A GM bulletin lists no drive or no reverse with this code, so get it checked soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Treat as Stop if the vehicle will not move forward, stalls, or drops into neutral while driving.
P073E in short
P073E means the transmission computer could not engage reverse. PartsAvatar lists shift solenoids, internal damage, hydraulic blockage and valve body faults as causes. A GM bulletin on 2025 Equinox and Terrain describes no drive or no reverse with this code. Get it scanned and checked soon.
TroubleCodes.net and PartsAvatar both define P073E as the transmission being unable to engage reverse, and the car may stay in neutral or another gear.
PartsAvatar lists shift solenoids, internal mechanical damage, hydraulic blockage, the valve body and the transmission computer as possible causes. TroubleCodes.net gives no causes.
GM PIP6077B for the 2025 Equinox and Terrain describes no drive or no reverse with P073E or P07E5 and says engineering was still working on it. Ford ASI-44734 describes a slight bump or jerk with P073E or P073F on the 2014 Focus.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Shift solenoid or valve body fault
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists shift solenoids, hydraulic blockage and the valve body as causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if solenoid codes are present or the valve body is dirty. Falls if hydraulic tests pass.
Cause 2: Internal mechanical damage
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists internal mechanical damage; the GM bulletin's no drive or no reverse symptom fits a serious fault.
- What would change this
- Rises if there is no movement or noises. Falls if shifts are otherwise normal.
Cause 3: Manufacturer-known issue
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- GM PIP6077B (2025 Equinox, Terrain) and Ford ASI-44734 (2014 Focus) both name P073E; the GM note says engineering was still working on it, so no final repair is stated.
- What would change this
- Rises if your vehicle and year match a bulletin. Falls if no bulletin applies.
Cause 4: Transmission control module
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists the control module, but only after other causes are ruled out.
- What would change this
- Rises if all circuits and hydraulics test good. Falls otherwise.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all codes and ask a dealer about bulletins for your VIN.
IfA bulletin applies
It meansFollow the dealer's guidance first.
IfNo bulletin
It meansHave a shop test the solenoids and valve body.
Step 2: Have a shop check solenoid and wiring, fluid pressure and valve body for reverse.
Warning:Have a qualified shop do this step.
IfSolenoid, valve body or pressure fault
It meansRepair it.
IfHydraulics good but reverse still fails
It meansInternal damage likely.
IfEverything tests good
It meansConsider the module last.
Symptoms
- Reverse does not engage
- No drive, or stuck in neutral Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Slight bump or jerk while driving, with a transmission warning
- Check engine light
How to fix
Step 1: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin for P073E.
Parts and cost context
- Transmission control module (TCM):The module is the last item to consider. Labor varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2025 · Equinox
Supported by vehicle dataGM PIP6077B lists no drive or no reverse with P073E on the 2025 Equinox. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
PIP6077BStatus unverified
No drive and or no reverse, SES light, P07E5 and or P073E
2025equinox · NHTSA 11024774
GM preliminary information; engineering was working on the issue. The GMC Terrain is also listed.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
GMCYour car
2025 · Terrain
Supported by vehicle dataGM PIP6077B also lists the 2025 Terrain. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
PIP6077BStatus unverified
No drive and or no reverse, SES light, P07E5 and or P073E
2025equinox · NHTSA 11024774
GM preliminary information; engineering was working on the issue. The GMC Terrain is also listed.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
FordYour car
2014 · Focus
Supported by vehicle dataFord ASI-44734 lists a bump or jerk with P073E or P073F on the 2014 Focus. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
ASI-44734Status unverified
Slight bump or jerk, transmission MIL with P073E or P073F
2014focus · NHTSA 10057868
Ford bulletin for the 2014 Focus with no other transmission issues.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P073E questions
Can I drive with P073E?
Only if it drives forward normally, and only to a shop. If it loses drive or sits in neutral, stop driving.
Sources and review
- OBD II error code P073E: Unable to Engage Reverse
- P073E Trouble Code: Unable to Engage Reverse
- GM PIP6077B: no drive/no reverse with P07E5 or P073E
- Ford ASI 44734: bump or jerk with P073E or P073F
- 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