If you check for any stored diagnostic trouble code in your car and you find a certain P0751 code, it means that your car’s computer has detected a malfunction or incorrect operation with shift solenoid A. The trouble code P0751 or Shift Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off/1-2 Shift Solenoid Valve Performance can mean that there is a problem with shift solenoid A. The code has been set off since there is a difference in the actual gear ratio as compared to the gear ratio predicted by the speed of the engine, the throttle position, and other factors. If you want to know how to fix P0751 code, it can be fixed with any of these repairs, depending on the actual cause of the problem.
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- Topping off the transmission fluid to get the correct level.
- Performing a transmission flush to clean the passages.
- Replacing the transmission fluid and filter.
- Replacing the faulty solenoid.
- Repairing or replacing the defective transmission valve body.
- Repairing or replacing the bad transmission pump.
- Cleaning the connectors and getting rid of corrosion.
- Repairing or replacing wiring harness.
- Replacing or flashing the PCM.
- Installing a new, remanufactured, or rebuilt transmission.
If you see this trouble code stored in your system, it is important to find out how to fix P0751 code right away and correct the problem. You might think that the symptoms of a P0751 code is not that serious at first, but if you continue to ignore it, the problem can get worse that might leave your car undrivable. Keep on reading, we will tell you everything you need to know!
How to Fix P0751 Code: What is Code P0751?
Before we discuss the ways on how to fix P0751 code, you might want to know what a code P0751 is. Code P0751 or Shift Solenoid A Performance or Stuck Off/1-2 Shift Solenoid Valve Performance is a trouble code that will be set off if your car’s onboard computer has detected that the actual gear ratio and the gear ratio predicted by the engine speed, throttle position, and other contributing factors are not the same.
The P0751 code can occur on cars equipped with automatic transmissions including, but not limited to, vehicles from Dodge, Ford, Chrysler, Ram, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Lexus, Volkswagen, and many more. The code might be generic, but the process on how to fix P0751 code can vary depending on the car’s make, model, year, and powertrain configuration.
Many automatic transmissions take in at least 3 solenoids which are the solenoid A, B, and C. The troubles codes related to the Solenoid A are the codes P0750, P0751, P0752, P0753, and P0754, based on the specific malfunction that notifies the PCM or powertrain control module to set the trouble code and turn on the check engine light. These trouble codes will be linked to the A, B, or C solenoid circuit and if your car is equipped with an overdrive or other transmission warning light, it may be set off too if the system has detected a malfunction.
The shift solenoid circuit’s primary function is for the powertrain control module to monitor the shift solenoids to control the fluid’s movement between many hydraulic circuits and alter the transmission gear ratio at the right time. It is done to maximize the engine’s performance level at the lowest RPM possible.
The automatic transmission on cars depends on the clutches and bands to switch gears and this can be achieved by having fluid pressure in the exact place at the exact time. Right timing is necessary. The transmission solenoids are in charge of opening or closing the valves in the valve body to enable transmission fluid to flow to the bands and clutches to smoothly switch the transmission as the engine accelerates.
If the PCM has detected a malfunction within the shift solenoid A shift circuit, different codes will be set off depending on the type of car, transmission, and how many gears included into the specific transmission. In this certain problem, the P0751 code has been linked with a detected performance problem or a stuck off situation in the transmission shift solenoid A circuit.
So basically, when you find the fault code P0751 stored in your system, it means that the powertrain control module of your car has detected an abnormal signal voltage, or a voltage that shows that the transmission shift solenoid A is stuck in the “off” or closed position. If this is the case, you should find out how to fix P0751 code so you can have it fixed as soon as possible.
You will know if your car is having this problem when you notice any of the common symptoms of the P0751 trouble code which include:
- Illuminating check engine light.
- Car’s limp home mode is activated.
- Transmission is slipping or slipping on the 1-2 shift.
- Overheating transmission.
- You notice delayed, harsh, or erratic shifts.
- Reduced fuel economy.
- Hard 1-2 shift.
- Gears are getting stuck.
- Car won’t move while in gear.
- Engine stalling.
How to Fix P0751 Code: How Do You Fix a Stuck Shift Solenoid?
If you want to know how to fix P0751 code, you need to have an idea what caused the problem so you can fix it. The common causes of the trouble code P0751 are:
- Transmission fluid level is low.
- Transmission fluid is contaminated.
- Transmission filter is dirty or clogged.
- The hydraulic passages are restricted.
- Faulty transmission valve body.
- Damaged, frayed, or faulty wiring.
- Damaged or corroded connectors.
- Internal failure in the transmission.
- 1-2 shift solenoid is faulty.
- Damaged or failed transmission pump.
- Bad powertrain control module or transmission control module.
How to fix P0751 code can be done in many ways, depending on what caused the problem. So the first thing you need to do is to diagnose the problem. To diagnose the cause of the P0751 code, you need to connect a diagnostic scanning tool or an OBD II scanner to the communication port of the car. You or a mechanic can then read all the stored trouble codes in your car’s onboard computer and clear them. But a test drive should be done to ensure that the trouble codes are reset.
You need to bear in mind that if you are not a mechanic or don’t have any idea what to check or how to fix P0751 code, you can only do some basic checks and tests when you are diagnosing this P0751 code. Plus, the advanced diagnostic or repair steps can vary depending on your car’s make and model. When you perform these said steps on how to fix P0751 code, you might need some special equipment, some diagnostic skills that are considered above average, and an expert level knowledge of the application that needs diagnosing.
Before we discuss the steps on how to fix P0751 code, remember that these steps are for general informational purposes only. They can help fix the issue, but these steps might not be applicable to some vehicles. How to fix P0751 code can be done by doing the following steps:
- Record every trouble code.
You need to record or take note of all the trouble codes stored in your system as well as all available freeze frame data. This is done since all the information can be used later on, should you diagnose an intermittent fault.
- Check your car’s transmission fluid.
If your car has a dipstick, you can use it to check your transmission fluid level. You can consult your owner’s manual to find out the appropriate level of fluid for your car. If needed, adjust the level according to the recommended level. If your car has a “lifetime” fill transmission, you need to take your car to the dealer or an auto repair shop that has the needed equipment to drain and refill the transmission to the appropriate level.
You should also check the condition of the transmission fluid. Check its color, its smell, and its consistency. If the fluid’s color has become dark, thick, or if it has a burnt smell, then you need to have it replaced immediately. If the fluid is excessively dirty, or you have spotted some metal shavings in it, then it could mean that your transmission has some internal damage.
To prevent this problem from happening, you need to strictly follow the routine maintenance set by your car’s manufacturer. This is an easy way to prolong the life of your transmission since it can prevent major problems from occurring.
If you neglect the needed transmission maintenance, failing to have it serviced at the right interval, it can result in catastrophic failure or wear to its internal components, including the transmission solenoids. If the problem can still be fixed, you can have your transmission fluid flushed to clear the clogged or blocked hydraulic passages. But if not, a transmission flush can only be a temporary fix since the damage has already been done to the transmission components, including the valve body, seals, or clutches.
- Inspect the transmission wiring harness.
If you have checked your transmission fluid and you find that it has a right level and it’s condition is good, then you need to look for the problem elsewhere since it is not caused by the transmission fluid.
The next component you can check is the transmission wiring harness and connectors. You need to inspect them and look closely for any signs of damage or corrosion. You also need to do a thorough visual inspection of all wiring or anything related to it. Look for any signs of burns, damage, disconnected, shorted, or corrosion. If you found any damage, you should have the faulty wiring or connector repaired or replaced immediately.
- Perform a resistance and continuity check.
Once you are done checking all the wirings and connectors and everything is in good condition, the next step on how to fix P0751 code is checking your owner’s manual to find out the function and color coding of each connector’s wire. You need to be able to identify the wires associated to the shift solenoid A in the transmission side of the connector. You need to identify the wires so you can do resistance and continuity checks on these wires, based on the instructions found in your owner’s manual.
You should find a resistance reading for the shift solenoid A of zero, unless the owner’s manual says otherwise. When there is a resistance, it means that the circuit has short circuited, but if there’s no continuity detected in the circuit, then it means that the circuit is open.
If this is the case, how to fix P0751 code involves making the needed repairs, and doing some retest on the system to determine if all electrical values fall within the ranges specified by the car manufacturer. However, if all faults and discrepancies are detected in the internal wiring of the transmission, the entire internal harness should be replaced as a whole unit to prevent issues with short circuits that are caused by metal wear particles in the transmission fluid.
- Have your car checked by a professional.
If the steps on how to fix P0751 code did not work or have not resolved the issue, then you need to take your car to a trusted auto repair shop or facility and have them check your car. A professional assistance will be needed especially if your car has a transmission with a lifetime fill. This is because draining and refilling this type of transmission is usually not available to the average mechanic.
How to fix P0751 code can be done in many ways, such as the steps mentioned above. Since the trouble code P0751 can be caused by many issues, you need to check and determine first what caused it, going through each of the possible causes before concluding that you have a faulty shift solenoid A and it has to be replaced. It is quite common that the mechanic will replace the shift solenoid A without making a full diagnosis, not knowing that the problem is only caused by a low transmission fluid.