P0766: Shift solenoid D performance or stuck off
Shift solenoid D fault
Severity: Inspect soon
A stuck shift solenoid can cause slipping, limp mode or missing gears, and a Ford bulletin lists intermittent no reverse with this code, so get it checked soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Treat as Stop if reverse or drive will not engage, it slips badly or stays in limp mode.
P0766 in short
P0766 means shift solenoid D was stuck off or performing poorly. PartsAvatar lists dirty or low fluid, a clogged filter, the solenoid, wiring and internal damage. Ford's 8F35 bulletin links it to contamination in a valve body orifice with intermittent no reverse. Get it checked soon.
Shift solenoid D is one of the valves the computer uses to apply clutches. If the computer sees it stuck off or not working as commanded, it sets P0766.
Ford bulletins TSB 19-2213 and 19-2386 tie P0766 on 8F35-equipped Edge, Nautilus, Escape, Corsair and Transit Connect models to contamination in a valve body separator plate orifice, with intermittent or delayed reverse engagement. Subaru 16-80-11R says valve body contamination can be fixed by a flush on some Legacy and Outback models.
Fluid condition and the bulletin for your VIN are the cheapest first checks.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Contamination in the valve body or separator plate orifice
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford TSB 19-2213 and 19-2386 (8F35) and Subaru 16-80-11R name valve body contamination with P0766 stored; Ford adds intermittent no reverse.
- What would change this
- Rises if your VIN matches a bulletin or the fluid is dirty. Falls if the valve body is clean.
Cause 2: Low or dirty fluid or a clogged filter
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists low or dirty fluid and a clogged filter first.
- What would change this
- Rises if the fluid is low or dark. Falls if clean and full.
Cause 3: Failed solenoid or wiring fault
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Both references list the solenoid, connectors and wiring.
- What would change this
- Rises if resistance is out of range. Falls if the circuit tests good.
Cause 4: Internal damage or control module
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists internal damage and the PCM as later possibilities.
- What would change this
- Rises if all else tests good and slipping continues.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a valve body cleaning or flush bulletin, and check fluid.
IfA bulletin applies
It meansFollow it.
Points to: Contamination in the valve body or separator plate orifice
IfFluid is low or dirty
It meansCorrect it and retest.
IfNeither
It meansTest the solenoid.
Step 2: Have a shop test solenoid resistance and wiring.
Warning:Have a qualified shop do this step.
IfThe solenoid or wiring fails
It meansRepair it.
IfThey pass and slipping continues
It meansInternal damage possible.
Symptoms
- Intermittent or delayed reverse
- Slipping or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Check engine light
- Oil temperature warning lamp flashing (Subaru bulletin) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a valve body cleaning or flush bulletin for P0766.
Parts and cost context
- Transmission control module (TCM):Bulletin repairs for this code are mechanical, so the module is not the first part to check. 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
FordYour car
2019–2020 · Edge
Supported by vehicle dataFord TSB 19-2213 and 19-2386 list P0766 with intermittent reverse on 8F35 Edge models. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2020 · Escape
Supported by vehicle dataFord TSB 19-2386 covers the 2020 Escape with the 8F35. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
TSB 19-2386Status unverified
MIL with P0766 and/or intermittent no reverse, 8F35
2019–2020mkx, corsair · NHTSA 10169847
Ford: contamination in the main control valve body separator plate orifice; covers Edge, Nautilus, Transit Connect and Escape, Corsair as well.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 19-2213Status unverified
MIL with P0766 and/or intermittent or delayed reverse, 8F35
2019edge, transit-connect · NHTSA 10163576
Ford: contamination in the main control valve body separator plate orifice; Nautilus also covered.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
SubaruYour car
2010–2013 · Outback
Supported by vehicle dataSubaru 16-80-11R lists P0766 with valve body contamination on the Legacy and Outback. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
16-80-11RStatus unverified
Oil temperature lamp flashing with P0751, P0756, P0766 and others
2010–2013legacy, outback · NHTSA 10067834
Subaru: valve body contamination; flush the transmission and run the dynamic check mode instead of replacing the valve body.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P0766 questions
Can I drive with P0766?
Gently to a shop if it shifts and reverses normally. If it will not reverse, slips badly or is in limp mode, stop.
Sources and review
- OBD II error code P0766: Shift Solenoid D Performance or Stuck Off
- P0766 Trouble Code: Shift Solenoid D Performance or Stuck Off
- Ford TSB 19-2386: P0766 and/or intermittent no reverse, 8F35
- Ford TSB 19-2213: P0766 with 8F35 transmission
- Subaru 16-80-11R: flashing oil temperature lamp with P0766 and others
- 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