P073F Transmission could not engage first gear

Unable to engage gear 1

P073F in short

P073F means the transmission computer saw that the gearbox could not engage first gear. It appears mostly on dual-clutch transmissions. Likely causes are a worn clutch or internal fault, a speed sensor or solenoid problem, or software. Driving is risky if the car will not pull away, so have it inspected soon.

The transmission computer commands first gear and then checks that the input speed, output speed and clutch behave the way a real gear engagement would. If the gear does not engage, or the expected speed relationship never appears, it stores P073F and usually turns on the check engine or transmission warning light.

The reports we found are mostly dual-clutch cars. Hyundai Tucson and Veloster owners describe the engine revving without moving from a stop, shaking and lost acceleration. A Volkswagen Jetta owner saw P073F with a stuck-in-fifth code, and a Ford bulletin ties P073E and P073F to a bump or jerk on a 2014 Focus.

Honda lists P073F as one of four odd-gear codes (gears 1, 3, 5 and 7) on its hybrid models. Its bulletin is about a calibration problem that stops the permanent version of these codes from clearing, so a P073F on those models may not mean a mechanical fault.

Most likely causes

  1. Worn or damaged clutch or other internal transmission fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Hyundai Tucson and Veloster owners report P073F with shaking, no drive from a stop and, in one case, a dealer finding a damaged clutch. This is complaint data, not a bulletin, so it ranks as vehicle data.
    What would change this
    Rises if the engine revs without moving from a stop or the car shudders pulling away. Falls if the car drives normally and the code returned only once.

  2. Transmission or engine computer software or calibration

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford ties P073E and P073F on the 2014 Focus to a bump or jerk bulletin, and Honda ties a calibration problem to P073F on hybrid models. Only the summaries were read, so we do not know every repair.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds an open update for your VIN. Falls if the software is current.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  3. Speed sensor, solenoid or wiring fault

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists disconnected or faulty speed sensors and transmission solenoids as causes of P073F. It is a general cause with no make-specific proof.
    What would change this
    Rises if live data shows an input or output speed that drops out or disagrees. Falls if the speeds read plausibly and the wiring tests good.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read every stored code and the freeze-frame data from the transmission module, not only the engine module.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

    • IfOther transmission codes are stored, such as P073A or P074B

      It meansNote them; they point to the same gear-engagement problem.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP073F is alone and the car drives normally

      It meansCheck for updates before anything else.

      Go to step 2

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open transmission or engine software update or a bulletin for P073F.

    Low risk

  3. Note whether the car pulls away smoothly in first, or revs without moving, shudders or bangs into gear.

    Use caution

    Warning:A car that may not pull away can leave you stranded in traffic. Keep the test short and let a shop do it if the problem is severe.

Symptoms

  • Check engine or transmission warning light
  • Slight bump or jerk while driving
  • Shaking or shudder when pulling away
  • Engine revs but the car does not move from a stop Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open transmission software update or bulletin for P073F.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Software updates come before parts on the bulletins we found. Clutch or transmission repairs are costly; labor varies; get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Hyundai

  • 2016–2017 · Tucson

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report P073F with shaking and lost acceleration, and one dealer blamed a damaged clutch. The car has a dual-clutch transmission.

  • 2015 · Veloster

    Supported by vehicle data

    An owner reports intermittent no-engagement of 1st gear from a stop, with P073F stored.

Volkswagen

  • 2015 · Jetta

    Supported by vehicle data

    A dealer scan showed P073F with P073A (stuck in fifth gear) and a warranty repair that took six weeks of parts.

Ford

  • 2014 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford ASI-44734 covers a slight bump or jerk with P073E or P073F. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

  • ASI-44734Status unverified

    Slight bump or jerk with P073E or P073F (Focus)

    2014focus · NHTSA 10057868

    A Focus with a slight bump or jerk while driving sets the transmission lamp with P073E or P073F. Only the NHTSA summary was read, and it does not state the repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

  • B20-039Status unverified

    P073F and other odd-gear DTCs (MDX Sport Hybrid)

    2017–2020mdx · NHTSA 10180018

    Says the PCM sets P073F, P074B, P074D or P074F when it sees an odd-gear fault, and that a PCM calibration problem stops the permanent code from clearing.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • B20-040Status unverified

    P073F and other odd-gear DTCs (RLX Hybrid)

    2014–2020rlx · NHTSA 10180019

    Same condition as B20-039 for the RLX Hybrid: a PCM calibration problem stops the permanent odd-gear codes from clearing.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P073ETransmission unable to engage reverse

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford lists P073E and P073F together in one bulletin for a 2014 Focus. P073E is the matching code for a different gear.

All Transmission codes

P073F questions

What does P073F mean?

The transmission computer found the gearbox unable to engage first gear. The code appears mostly on dual-clutch transmissions.

Can I keep driving with P073F?

Only if the car pulls away normally, and only to a shop. If the engine revs without the car moving, stop driving.

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 11607608: 2016 Hyundai Tucson, P073F — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11460361: 2015 Hyundai Veloster, P073F — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  3. P073F – Unable to Engage Gear 1 — TroubleCodes.net
  4. Ford ASI-44734: 2014 Focus, slight bump or jerk with P073E or P073F — Ford (filed with NHTSA)
  5. Honda B20-039: P073F, P074B, P074D, P074F permanent DTC will not clear (2017-2020 MDX Sport Hybrid) — Honda (filed with NHTSA)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11456871: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, P073F — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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