P0746 Pressure control solenoid A is not working or stuck off

Pressure control solenoid A performance or stuck off

P0746 in short

P0746 means pressure control solenoid A, which sets hydraulic pressure in the transmission or CVT, is not performing as commanded or seems stuck off. Bulletins cover Nissan CVT judder, GM snap ring and pressure sensor problems, and solenoid faults. Have it inspected soon and check for a bulletin for your vehicle first.

A pressure control solenoid turns the computer's command into hydraulic pressure. P0746 means solenoid A, or the pressure it is meant to create, is not doing what the computer asked.

Nissan covers CVT judder with P0746 on the 2013–2017 Sentra and Versa and lists it with other CVT codes on the Kicks and Versa. GM found out-of-round snap rings on 2024–2025 Enclave and Encore GX, replaces both pressure sensors on the 2019 Malibu CVT, and documented a no-movement condition on some Enclave and Encore models.

Start with a bulletin check by VIN.

Most likely causes

  1. CVT fault with judder (Nissan)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan covers CVT judder and P0746 on 2013–2017 Sentra, Versa and Versa Note, and lists P0746 with other CVT codes on the Kicks and Versa.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Nissan with judder, or with P0965, P17F0 or P0841 also stored.

  2. Out-of-round snap rings (2024–2025 GM)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM says out-of-round snap rings can cause P0746 or P0747 on the 2024 Enclave and 2024–2025 Encore GX.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Buick.

  3. CVT pressure sensors (2019 Malibu)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM replaces both pressure sensors when P0746 or P0776 sets on the 2019 Malibu VT40 CVT.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Malibu.

  4. Pressure control solenoid or its wiring

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The solenoid is a monitored output, so a solenoid that does not respond, or a poor connection, fits the code directly.
    What would change this
    Rises if the solenoid does not respond to a commanded test or a circuit code is also stored.

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 P0746 bulletin or software update for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a transmission shop command the solenoid with a scan tool, check its circuit, and compare commanded and actual pressure.

    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
  • Judder or shudder when pulling away (Nissan CVT)
  • Car will not move in Drive or Reverse Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • 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 P0746 bulletin or software update. Nissan and GM have issued them.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0746 unless a test points to it. The bulletins found fix parts inside the transmission or its sensors.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

  • 2013–2017 · Versa

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB17-034 covers CVT judder and P0746 on the Versa sedan and Versa Note; an earlier version also covered the Sentra. 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 CVT

  • 2013–2017 · Sentra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB17-034i covers CVT judder and P0746. 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 CVT

  • 2018–2021 · Kicks

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB22-021 covers P0746 with P0841 and other CVT codes. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • NTB17-034kStatus unverified

    CVT judder and/or P0746 / P0965 / P17F0 / P0846

    2013–2017versa, versa-note · issued · NHTSA 10172234

    Covers the 2013–2017 Versa sedan and 2014–2017 Versa Note. 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.

  • NTB17-034iStatus unverified

    CVT judder and/or P0746 / P0965 / P17F0 / P0846

    2013–2017sentra, versa, versa-note · issued · NHTSA 10162639

    Earlier version that also covered the 2013–2017 Sentra. 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.

  • NTB22-021Status unverified

    P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored

    2018–2021kicks, versa · issued · NHTSA 10212012

    Kicks 2018–2021 and Versa 2020–2021. 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.

Buick

  • 2024–2025 · Encore GX

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5974E ties P0746 or P0747 to out-of-round snap rings. The 2024 Enclave 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.

    Where it is:Inside the transmission

  • 2018–2021 · Enclave

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIE0720A documents a will-not-move condition with P0746 and P0747. The 2020–2021 Encore 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.

  • PIP5974EStatus unverified

    Out-of-round snap rings causing P0746 or P0747

    2024–2025enclave, encore-gx · issued · NHTSA 11011690

    Preliminary information for technicians. 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.

  • PIE0720AStatus unverified

    Will not move in Drive, Neutral or Reverse with P0746 / P0747

    2018–2021enclave, encore · issued · NHTSA 10227396

    Engineering information closure; GM stopped collecting information on this condition. 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

  • 2019 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5671 replaces both pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776 on the VT40 CVT. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIP5671Status unverified

    Replace both pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776, VT40 CVT

    2019malibu · issued · NHTSA 10164772

    Preliminary information for technicians. 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: P0746. On cars with a separate transmission module, a basic code reader may show only P0700, which means the module has stored its own code. P0746 can be that code, so fix P0746 and P0700 goes with it.

  • P0841Transmission fluid pressure sensor or switch reading does not make sense

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan lists both codes in the same CVT bulletins for the Kicks and Versa.

  • P0744Torque converter clutch control signal dropping in and out

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan lists both codes in the same CVT bulletin for the Kicks and Versa.

  • P2714Pressure control solenoid D is not working or stuck off

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    Both are pressure control solenoid performance codes; P0746 is for solenoid A and P2714 for solenoid D.

  • P0747Pressure control solenoid A stuck on

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0747 is the same pressure control solenoid stuck on. GM bulletins tie P0746 or P0747 to out-of-round snap rings and document a will-not-move condition with both.

All Transmission codes

P0746 questions

What does pressure control solenoid A do?

It turns the transmission computer's command into hydraulic pressure for clutches or, in a CVT, for the pulleys. Which job it does depends on the design.

Is it safe to drive with P0746?

Have it inspected soon. Toyota tells owners to get the car checked right away when the light is on for the transmission. GM has seen cars that would not move with this code.

Is P0746 common on Nissan CVTs?

Nissan has several bulletins that list P0746 on CVTs, often with judder, so a bulletin check is the first step on a Nissan.

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. GM PIE0720A: Will not move in Drive, Neutral or Reverse with P0746 / P0747 (EI closure) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  4. Nissan NTB17-034k: CVT judder and/or P0746 / P0965 / P17F0 / P0846 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  5. Nissan NTB17-034i: CVT judder and/or P0746 / P0965 / P17F0 / P0846 — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. Nissan NTB22-021: P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 and/or P17F1 stored in the TCM — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  7. GM PIP5974E: Out-of-round snap rings causing P0746 or P0747 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. GM PIP5671: Replace both pressure sensors for P0746 or P0776, VT40 CVT — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  10. DTC P0700 — Saab 9-5 (9650) 2010 Workshop Information System — SaabWISOnline (community rehost of Saab/GM service information)
  11. Nissan NTB19-040c: MIL on with P0741, P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841 and others, may hesitate or lack power — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  12. P2714 Code: Definition and Details — Kelley Blue Book
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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