What Is the P0753 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0753 code indicates that the shift solenoid in transmission shift solenoid A, which changes the gears based off commands from the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM), has an electrical abnormality of some kind. This electrical abnormality can be just about anything, which means that the impact of the code can vary substantially depending on the actual problem underlying the code.
More About the P0753 Code
For most vehicles, the “A” solenoid indicates a problem with the 1-2 shift solenoid. That means the problems you’ll be experiencing will have to do with shifts between first and second gear. However, different makes and models may have different structures, which means you’ll need to know what the “A” solenoid does in your vehicle.
Who Has the Lowest Price?
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Are the Symptoms of a P0753 Code?
There are many possible symptoms you might experience with a P0753 code. The check engine light will turn on with this problem, but you may notice anything from general transmission slipping or increased fuel consumption to the car switching into limp mode or completely refusing to move when in the first or second gear. The longer that you leave this code, the more likely that there will be problems with the gear shifting, to the point where the gear may no longer switch at all.
What Are Some Causes of a P0753 Code?
There are as many potential causes of a P0753 code as there are symptoms you might experience. It’s common for there to be issues with the transmission fluid, whether you don’t have enough fluid or the fluid is dirty. You might also see damaged connectors or wiring. The solenoid, transmission pump, or valve body can also be damaged or have another issue. Lastly, in some cases, it might be due to a powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control unit (ECU) issue.
How Serious Is the P0753 Code?
This code can be extremely serious. The longer you run your vehicle when it’s throwing this code, the more likely it is that you’ll experience a serious problem, such as the engine stalling, loss of the ability to shift between gears, and an overheating transmission. This could leave you stranded entirely, which can definitely be a scary experience. You should fix this code as soon as possible.
Can I Still Drive with a P0753 Code?
You should avoid driving with this code. Even the symptoms of the code in its early days, like harsh and erratic shifting, can make it more difficult to drive, and the more you drive with the code, the more intense these problems can appear. You can also damage the transmission, which can be a much more expensive fix than this basic problem.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0753 Code?
Because there are so many possible causes of the P0753 code, it can be surprisingly difficult to diagnose it. You need to go through a specific process that allows you to check each potential problem, typically in order from most common to least common, replacing the potentially broken parts until the problem is fixed. This diagnosis can be very difficult, especially if the problem isn’t simply related to the transmission fluid.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0753 Code?
Inspecting the P0753 code can be as difficult as diagnosing it. While changing the transmission fluid and filter, especially if it appears dirty, can be helpful in fixing this problem, there are many other possible causes for the problem that you might need to consider. The inspection process may require you to check the wiring harness and connectors, the solenoid directly, the valve body, the pressure regulator valve, and the transmission pump, among other things. For most DIYers, it’s best to leave this to an expert.
Need Additional Help with Your P0753 Code?
The P0753 code can be very difficult to fix, especially because the transmission is so critical to your car’s functioning, and any problems with this code can negatively impact it for good. Permanent fixes at an early stage are the best way to fix your P0753 code, and that will typically mean taking your car to an expert if it’s throwing this code.
First, you’ll need to find someone locally who can help you fix the problem. The Kelley website is a great place to find a repair shop in your area, regardless of the reasons you need an expert fix. Whether it’s this code or a different one, the shop locator is a great tool.
Additionally, if you want to learn more about OBD-II codes overall, check out the KBB OBD-II database. Kelley can help you understand these codes in a more in-depth way, giving you more information about your engine and what might be the problem if you’re seeing your check engine light turned on or you’ve scanned your engine and come up with a specific code.
P0753 Q&A
Common Error Codes
Browse All OBD-II Codes
Get Recall Alerts
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.