P0768: Shift solenoid D electrical circuit fault

Shift solenoid D electrical fault

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The two sources give the code definition but no severity rating, so the urgency is not verified. A shift fault can leave the car in a fixed gear, so have it checked soon.

Source: how we rate severity

P0768 in short

P0768 means the computer found an electrical fault in the circuit of shift solenoid D, one of the valves that controls gear changes. Likely causes are the solenoid, its wiring or connector, low or dirty fluid, or rarely a control module. Shifting may be harsh or erratic, so get it checked.

Shift solenoid D is an electrically operated valve in the automatic transmission that directs fluid to change gears. The computer watches its circuit, and an electrical fault sets P0768.

TroubleCodes.net describes the symptoms as not shifting, harsh or erratic shifts and high engine rpm. Its causes include an open or short in the circuit, bad grounds and a failed solenoid.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Cause 1: Low, dirty or wrong transmission fluid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists low or dirty fluid among the first causes for a shift fault and it is the cheapest thing to check.
    What would change this
    Rises if the level is low or the fluid is dark or burnt. Falls if level and condition are correct.
  2. Cause 2: Wiring, grounds or connector fault in the solenoid circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists wiring, poor connections and bad grounds as probable causes of the solenoid circuit codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if a wire is chafed or a connector is corroded. Falls if the circuit tests normal.
  3. Cause 3: Faulty shift solenoid

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the shift solenoid itself as a probable cause once the wiring tests sound.
    What would change this
    Rises if the solenoid fails a resistance or command test. Falls if it responds correctly.
  4. Cause 4: Transmission or engine control module fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the control module as a cause but after the wiring and solenoid, so it ranks last.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring and solenoid test good and the fault stays. Falls if either is faulty.

What to test first

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

  1. Step 1: Read every stored code and freeze-frame data with a scan tool that can read the transmission module.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

    • IfOther transmission codes are stored

      It meansWork from the first code stored; one fault can set several.

      Go to step 2

    • IfIt is the only code

      It meansCheck the fluid and wiring next.

      Go to step 2

  2. Step 2: Have the transmission fluid level and condition checked following the maker's procedure.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Many transmissions are checked hot with the engine running, and some are sealed with no dipstick. Let a shop do this.

  3. Step 3: Have the solenoid circuit tested between the solenoid and the control module for opens, shorts and high resistance.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Testing solenoid circuits means working at the transmission connector and sometimes dropping the pan, with hot fluid and a moving drivetrain risk. Let a shop do this.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Harsh or erratic shifts
  • Not shifting
  • High engine rpm

How to fix

  1. Step 1: Have a shop scan the transmission module for every stored code before any parts are replaced.

  2. Step 2: Ask a dealer whether a transmission software update or bulletin applies to your VIN.

On your vehicle

Hyundai

  • 2012–2016 · Equus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 5NP-W7J6Y-11 covers automatic transmission solenoid and sensor replacement for several codes including P0768. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2012–2016 · Genesis

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 5NP-W7J6Y-11 covers automatic transmission solenoid and sensor replacement for several codes including P0768. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2013–2016 · Genesis Coupe

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai bulletin 5NP-W7J6Y-11 covers automatic transmission solenoid and sensor replacement for several codes including P0768. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 5NP-W7J6Y-11Status unverified

    Automatic transmission solenoid and sensor replacement for P0768 and related codes

    2012–2016equus, genesis, genesis-coupe · issued · NHTSA 10089604

    Hyundai bulletin about automatic transmission solenoid and sensor replacement for P0741, P0743, P0748, P0753, P0758, P075A, P0763, P0768, P0773, P2709 and P0841. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

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

All Transmission codes

P0768 questions

Does P0768 always need a new solenoid?

No. TroubleCodes.net lists fluid, wiring and grounds ahead of the solenoid, so those are checked first.

Sources and review

  1. P0768, P0769, P0771, P0773 and P0781 code pages — TroubleCodes.net
  2. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  3. 5NP-W7J6Y-11: Automatic transmission solenoid and sensor replacement for P0768 and related codes — Hyundai
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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