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P0751

Shift Solenoid "A" Performance/stuck Off

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By
KBB Service Advisor
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Reviewed by
Gary Hardesty

What Is the P0751 Code?

Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P0751 code indicates that there’s a problem with your “A” solenoid. In most vehicles, there are three solenoids, although, in many modern transmissions, there are more than that. This code specifically indicates that the “A” solenoid, wherever that might be in your specific vehicle, is experiencing some kind of malfunction.

You may also be interested in P0752 Shift Solenoid A Stuck On.

More About the P0751 Code

Shift solenoids are critically important components of any vehicle’s transmission. These solenoids handle the movement of fluid between your hydraulic circuits, which ensures that your transmission components and valves all work appropriately. The shift solenoid will leak fluid pressure without energy and block fluid pressure if it has energy; if your PCM (powertrain control module) notices any issues with the measurable results of the shift solenoids, then it’ll indicate that issue by throwing this code.

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What Are the Symptoms of a P0751 Code?

If you’re experiencing the P0751 code, then you’ll often notice overarching issues with your transmission. This may include problems with slipping, overheating, getting stuck in a specific gear, or general decreased fuel economy. The engine may even enter limp mode. You’ll also see the check engine light turn on, as is typically the case for most OBD codes.

What Are Some Causes of a P0751 Code?

This code indicates that there’s a malfunction with the shift solenoid “A” shift circuit. Most commonly, this is because of low transmission fluid, dirty transmission fluid, or a clogged transmission filter. However, transmission shift solenoid failure is also a possibility, as is damaged, corroded, or faulty connectors and wiring. In very rare cases, you might see this code with transmission failure or TCM (transmission control module) failure, although it’s much more common for it to simply be a problem with the transmission fluid.

How Serious Is the P0751 Code?

The P0751 code is very serious in general. This is because any problem having to do with your transmission is inherently going to be fairly serious. The transmission is one of the core components of your engine, and a problem within the transmission can permanently damage your car if you don’t fix it as soon as possible. This is one of the reasons that experts recommend fixing the P0751 code as soon as you notice it.

Can I Still Drive with a P0751 Code?

It’s not a good idea to drive if a P0751 code is active. Not only will you likely have a lower quality of driving, but you can end up causing serious transmission damage to your vehicle if you keep driving with this code active, which can be much more expensive to fix than the P0751 code. Check with your local mechanic to see whether you can drive the vehicle to your local repair shop or whether you should opt for a tow truck.

How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0751 Code?

This diagnosis process is often very difficult. The first fix that most people opt for is simply checking and changing out the transmission fluid; if this fixes the problem, you may be able to DIY the fix. However, if changing the transmission fluid doesn’t help, there are many problems that you might be experiencing, and an expert will be the best way to figure out the underlying problem and solve it for you.

How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0751 Code?

Inspection of the P0751 code is more difficult than you might initially think. Solenoids are a very complicated little component of your engine, often buried deep within the transmission components, typically requiring a significant amount of labor for an effective repair. Instead of going into this as a DIYer, you might simply want to get an expert to help.

Need Additional Help with Your P0751 Code?

The P0751 code may be fixed with a simple transmission fluid fix, and if this is the case, you’re in luck. However, if you’ve already tried swapping out your transmission fluid with no luck, it’s best to get the experts involved. At this point, you’ll want to talk to an expert in your area to get a more effective fix for whatever problem you’re experiencing.

First, you should use KBB to find a repair shop in your area. Not only can this repair shop locator help you discover a variety of shops locally, but it can also help you identify the closest shop, which can be helpful if your P0751 code has put your vehicle into Limp Mode, which may make it difficult to drive more than a few miles.

Additionally, if you’re interested in getting more information about OBD codes and how they work within different vehicles, check out the OBD-II database at KBB. This database provides comprehensive information about different codes and what might trigger each of them, allowing you to have more effective knowledge about your codes so you can understand what’s happening within your vehicle.

P0751 Q&A

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