P0765 Shift solenoid D circuit fault

Shift solenoid D circuit

P0765 in short

P0765 means the transmission computer found a fault in the circuit of shift solenoid D, which affects one or more gear changes. Wiring, the solenoid, low or dirty fluid or internal wear can cause it. Kelley Blue Book says to avoid driving if possible, so have it inspected soon.

Shift solenoids are valves the computer switches to change gears. P0765 sets when solenoid D or its circuit does not respond as commanded, so a shift may be missed or the transmission may hold one gear.

TroubleCodes.net and Kelley Blue Book list the solenoid, wiring and connectors, low or degraded fluid and internal mechanical failure, and say the module is rarely the cause. Kelley Blue Book calls the code extremely serious.

Hyundai says solenoid codes including P0765 can hold the transaxle in third gear. Ram asks technicians to download event data before swapping the solenoid module on a repeatable P0755 or P0765 on 2020-2021 trucks.

Most likely causes

  1. Low, dirty or wrong fluid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list fluid problems, and checking fluid is the first step.
    What would change this
    Rises if the fluid is low, dark or has debris.

  2. Wiring or connector fault at the solenoid

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

  3. Failed shift solenoid D

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list the solenoid, and Hyundai and FCA bulletins address solenoid faults.
    What would change this
    Rises if the wiring tests good.

  4. Solenoid module (2020-2021 Ram 2500 and 3500)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ram 9004380 asks for event data before swapping the module on a repeatable P0765.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Ram when the code repeats after the basics.

  5. Valve body or internal wear

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Both references mention internal mechanical or hydraulic faults, which follow once the electrical checks pass.
    What would change this
    Rises when the solenoid and wiring test good.

  6. Transmission control module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net says the module is rarely the cause.
    What would change this
    Rises only after the solenoid, wiring and fluid 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. Note other solenoid codes and whether the gear is limited.

    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 check the solenoid resistance and continuity against the maker's specification.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter

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

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough shifts or slipping
  • Stuck in one gear or limp 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 bulletin. Hyundai, Chrysler and Ram have published ones.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0765. Sources list it as a rare cause, and Ram asks for event data before a solenoid module swap.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Hyundai

  • 1999–2010 · Elantra

    Supported by vehicle data

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 1999–2010 · Santa Fe

    Supported by vehicle data

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 1999–2010 · Sonata

    Supported by vehicle data

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 1999–2010 · Tiburon

    Supported by vehicle data

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 1999–2010 · Azera

    Supported by vehicle data

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 1999–2010 · Entourage

    Supported by vehicle data

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-09-AT-018Status unverified

    Hyundai TSB 09-AT-018: ATA solenoid diagnostic codes including P0765

    1999–2010elantra, santa-fe, sonata, tiburon, azera, entourage · NHTSA 10032908

    ATA solenoid codes P0740 to P0770 including P0765. Incorrect solenoid operation may light the check engine light and hold the transaxle in third gear as fail-safe.

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

Jeep

  • 2003–2005 · Grand Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on for those transmission codes on 2003-2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler, 2004-2005 Cherokee, and some Dodge and Chrysler models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2003–2005 · Liberty

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on for those transmission codes on 2003-2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler, 2004-2005 Cherokee, and some Dodge and Chrysler models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2003–2005 · Wrangler

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on for those transmission codes on 2003-2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler, 2004-2005 Cherokee, and some Dodge and Chrysler models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2003–2005 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL on for those transmission codes on 2003-2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler, 2004-2005 Cherokee, and some Dodge and Chrysler models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2100905Status unverified

    Chrysler 2100905: MIL for P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871 or P0841

    2003–2005grand-cherokee, liberty, wrangler, cherokee · NHTSA 10013708

    MIL on for those transmission codes on 2003-2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler, 2004-2005 Cherokee, and some Dodge and Chrysler models.

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

Ram

  • 2020–2021 · 2500

    Supported by vehicle data

    2020-2021 Ram 2500 and 3500: before swapping the transmission solenoid module for a repeatable P0755 or P0765, download event data and send it to the contact in the bulletin for root cause analysis. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2020–2021 · 3500

    Supported by vehicle data

    2020-2021 Ram 2500 and 3500: before swapping the transmission solenoid module for a repeatable P0755 or P0765, download event data and send it to the contact in the bulletin for root cause analysis. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 9004380Status unverified

    Ram 9004380: download event data before swapping the solenoid module for P0755 or P0765

    2020–20212500, 3500 · NHTSA 10198301

    2020-2021 Ram 2500 and 3500: before swapping the transmission solenoid module for a repeatable P0755 or P0765, download event data and send it to the contact in the bulletin for root cause analysis.

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

All Transmission codes

P0765 questions

What is shift solenoid D?

It is one of the valves the computer uses to change gears. P0765 means its circuit does not respond as commanded.

Can I drive with P0765?

Kelley Blue Book calls it extremely serious and says to avoid driving if possible. Have it inspected soon, and stop if the car is stuck in one gear.

Sources and review

  1. P0765 Code: Shift Solenoid D — Kelley Blue Book
  2. P0765 Trouble Code: Shift solenoid D circuit malfunction — TroubleCodes.net
  3. Hyundai TSB 09-AT-018: ATA solenoid diagnostic codes including P0765 — Hyundai
  4. Ram 9004380: download event data before swapping the solenoid module for P0755 or P0765 — Ram
  5. Chrysler 2100905: MIL for P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871 or P0841 — Chrysler
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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