P0761 Shift solenoid C performance or stuck off

Shift solenoid C performance or stuck off

P0761 in short

P0761 means the transmission computer found shift solenoid C stuck off or not performing as commanded. The solenoid, wiring, low or dirty fluid, or a blocked valve body can cause it. Slipping or delayed shifts can make merging unsafe, so have it inspected soon.

Shift solenoids are small valves that route fluid to change gears. P0761 sets when solenoid C does not do what the computer commands, so a shift is missed, late or never happens.

Kelley Blue Book lists the solenoid, wiring and connectors, low or dirty fluid, blocked passages, the valve body and internal wear. TroubleCodes.net lists wiring and solenoid failure.

General Motors published a preliminary bulletin for 2011-2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks that will not move, with P0761 among the codes, tied to blocked valve body separator plate holes after an aftermarket spin-on filter. Ford lists P0761 after some TorqShift overhauls.

Most likely causes

  1. Low, dirty or degraded fluid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Kelley Blue Book lists low or dirty fluid and blocked passages.
    What would change this
    Rises if the fluid is low, dark or contains debris.

  2. Wiring or connector fault at the solenoid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list wiring or connectors.
    What would change this
    Rises if the harness is chafed or the connector is corroded.

  3. Failed or sticking shift solenoid C

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list the solenoid itself.
    What would change this
    Rises if the wiring tests good and the shift problem is present.

  4. Blocked valve body separator plate holes after an aftermarket filter (2011-2014 GM trucks)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIP5100A covers trucks that will not move, with P0761 among the codes, and tells the technician to inspect the plate orifices.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered truck that lost drive after a spin-on filter change.

  5. Fault after a TorqShift overhaul or installation (2003-2004 Ford Super Duty and E-series)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford 042516 covers a MIL with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after overhaul or installation of a 2005 TorqShift.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared right after transmission work.

  6. Valve body or internal wear

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Kelley Blue Book lists the valve body and internal wear; they follow after fluid, wiring and the solenoid are checked.
    What would change this
    Rises when the solenoid and wiring test good.

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 other solenoid codes such as P0751, P0756 and P0766.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check the fluid level and condition by the maker's method.

    Use caution

    Warning:Many transmissions are sealed. Do not open the fill plug without the maker's procedure, because the level depends on temperature.

  3. Inspect the transmission connector and harness for chafing, corrosion and fluid inside the plug.

    Low risk

  4. Have a shop test the solenoid resistance and its command on a scan tool against the maker's specification.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool and multimeter

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

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Jerky or delayed shifts
  • Slipping between gears Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Limp mode or stuck in one gear 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 bulletin. General Motors and Ford have published ones that name this code.

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2003–2004 · E-250

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after overhaul or installation of a 2005 TorqShift transmission, listed for 2003-2004 E-series, Excursion and F-250 Super Duty. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2003–2004 · E-350

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after overhaul or installation of a 2005 TorqShift transmission, listed for 2003-2004 E-series, Excursion and F-250 Super Duty. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2003–2004 · Excursion

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after overhaul or installation of a 2005 TorqShift transmission, listed for 2003-2004 E-series, Excursion and F-250 Super Duty. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2003–2004 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after overhaul or installation of a 2005 TorqShift transmission, listed for 2003-2004 E-series, Excursion and F-250 Super Duty. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 042516Status unverified

    Ford 042516: MIL with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after TorqShift overhaul or installation

    2003–2004e-250, e-350, excursion, f-250-super-duty · NHTSA 10014269

    MIL on with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after overhaul or installation of a 2005 TorqShift transmission, listed for 2003-2004 E-series, Excursion and F-250 Super Duty.

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

Chevrolet

  • 2011–2014 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    2011-2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks will not move forward or reverse, with codes that include P0751, P0756, P0761 and P2723. The technician inspects the valve body separator plate orifices for blockage caused by an aftermarket spin-on filter. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2011–2014 · Silverado 2500 HD

    Supported by vehicle data

    2011-2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks will not move forward or reverse, with codes that include P0751, P0756, P0761 and P2723. The technician inspects the valve body separator plate orifices for blockage caused by an aftermarket spin-on filter. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5100AStatus unverified

    GM PIP5100A: will not move forward or reverse, codes including P0761

    2011–2014silverado-1500, silverado-2500-hd · NHTSA 10112391

    2011-2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks will not move forward or reverse, with codes that include P0751, P0756, P0761 and P2723. The technician inspects the valve body separator plate orifices for blockage caused by an aftermarket spin-on filter.

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

GMC

  • 2011–2013 · Sierra 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    2011-2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks will not move forward or reverse, with codes that include P0751, P0756, P0761 and P2723. The technician inspects the valve body separator plate orifices for blockage caused by an aftermarket spin-on filter. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5100A (Gmc)Status unverified

    GM PIP5100A: will not move forward or reverse, codes including P0761

    2011–2013sierra-1500 · NHTSA 10112391

    2011-2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks will not move forward or reverse, with codes that include P0751, P0756, P0761 and P2723. The technician inspects the valve body separator plate orifices for blockage caused by an aftermarket spin-on filter.

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

All Transmission codes

P0761 questions

What is shift solenoid C?

It is one of the valves that move fluid to change gears. P0761 means the computer found it stuck off or not performing.

Can I drive with P0761?

Have it inspected soon. Kelley Blue Book says it is not immediately immobilizing but can make merging unsafe, and slipping can damage the transmission.

Sources and review

  1. P0761 Code: Shift Solenoid C — Kelley Blue Book
  2. P0761 Trouble Code: Shift solenoid C performance or stuck off — TroubleCodes.net
  3. GM PIP5100A: will not move forward or reverse, codes including P0761 — General Motors
  4. Ford 042516: MIL with P0756, P0761 or P0771 after TorqShift overhaul or installation — Ford
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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