P0774 Shift solenoid E circuit intermittent

Shift solenoid E intermittent

P0774 in short

P0774 means the transmission computer saw an intermittent fault in the circuit for shift solenoid E. Ford ties it to open or shorted wiring, and Nissan CVT owners report it before transmission failure. Expect erratic or harsh shifts. Driving is possible short term, but have it inspected soon.

The transmission computer checks the electrical circuit of each shift solenoid. P0774 is the intermittent version for solenoid E: the circuit looked right at times and wrong at others, which points toward a loose connection, a damaged wire or a solenoid that is failing.

Ford describes the neighbouring codes P0770 to P0774 as an open, short to ground or short to power in the solenoid E circuit on 6F35 transmissions. Ford also lists P0774 with P0771 on 2007 Edge and MKX 6F50 transaxles that start in 4th gear and downshift harshly.

Nissan owners report P0774 on CVT cars, with the code listed next to other CVT codes ahead of a transmission replacement. Those reports do not say what failed first.

Most likely causes

  1. Open or short in the solenoid E circuit (wiring, connector or solenoid)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford TSB-09-19-5 says P0770 to P0774 indicate an open, short to ground or short to power in the solenoid E circuit; TroubleCodes.net also lists wiring, connections and the solenoid. Only summaries were read.
    What would change this
    Rises if the symptom is intermittent and changes with temperature or vibration. Falls if a circuit and resistance test of solenoid E is normal.

  2. Known 6F50 condition on early 2007 Edge and MKX

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford 0752 pairs P0771 and P0774 with starts in 4th gear and a harsh 4-1 downshift on transaxles built before 01-10-07.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2007 Edge or MKX built before that date with those symptoms. Falls on other models.

  3. Internal CVT failure on Nissan models

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan Maxima and Murano owners report P0774 with CVT codes followed by a transmission replacement. Complaint data only.
    What would change this
    Rises if other CVT codes such as P1778 or P0840 are stored and the car shudders or loses drive. Falls if P0774 is alone and the CVT drives normally.

  4. Transmission control module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the module as a possible cause, but nothing we read shows it as the usual one.
    What would change this
    Rises only after wiring, connector and solenoid tests pass.
    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 all stored codes and any freeze-frame data from the transmission module. Note whether P0770 to P0773 are also stored.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Have the solenoid E circuit checked for opens, shorts and a loose connector, and the solenoid resistance measured.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, scan tool

    Warning:The wiring is inside the transmission area under the car and the fluid can be hot. Leave this to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine or transmission warning light
  • Erratic or harsh shifts and harsh engagement
  • Starts in a higher gear from a stop (some Fords)
  • Vehicle will not move or stays in one gear Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer whether a bulletin applies to your VIN for P0774.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Not the first suspect; Ford points to the solenoid circuit. Labor varies; get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • TSB-09-19-5Status unverified

    6F35 transmission DTCs P0770 P0772 P0773 P0774

    2009escape · NHTSA 10032612

    The codes indicate an open, short to ground or short to power in the shift solenoid E circuit, with erratic shift or harsh engagement. The repair was not stated in the NHTSA summary.

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

  • 0752Status unverified

    P0771, P0774 and/or starts in 4th gear, harsh 4-1 downshift (6F50)

    2007edge · NHTSA 10021461

    6F50 transaxle built before 01-10-07 may start in 4th gear and downshift harshly at about 3 mph. The repair was not stated in the NHTSA summary.

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

Nissan

  • 2010 · Maxima

    Supported by vehicle data

    An owner reports CVT torque converter codes including P0774 and a full transmission replacement.

  • 2006 · Murano

    Supported by vehicle data

    An owner lists P0774 with P0840, P0845 and P1778 on a CVT that needed replacement at 94,000 miles.

All Transmission codes

P0774 questions

What is the difference between P0774 and P0773?

Ford groups P0770 to P0774 as faults in the same shift solenoid E circuit. P0774 is the intermittent one, so the fault comes and goes.

Sources and review

  1. Ford TSB-09-19-5: 6F35 transmission DTCs P0770 P0772 P0773 P0774 (2009 Escape, Mariner) — Ford (filed with NHTSA)
  2. Ford 0752: P0771, P0774 and/or starts in 4th gear, harsh 4-1 downshift (2007 Edge, MKX with 6F50) — Ford (filed with NHTSA)
  3. P0774 – Shift Solenoid E Circuit Intermittent — TroubleCodes.net
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11436958: 2010 Nissan Maxima, P0774 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11130708: 2006 Nissan Murano, P0774 P0840 P0845 P1778 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 10478454: 2007 Ford Edge, TSB 0752 symptoms — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (consumer complaint)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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