P0754: Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Intermittent DTC Trouble Code

To command gear changes, the ECU relies on little plunger devices in the valve body called solenoids. The P0754 diagnostic trouble code is stored when there is an intermittent electrical fault with the 1-2 solenoid.

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What Transmission Do I Have?

How Serious is the Code?

While the symptoms associated with a P0754 diagnostic trouble code might not seem very bad at first. They will get worse over time, eventually causing more problems, and impacting drivability.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0754 include:

• Check engine light
• Limp mode
• Erratic or hard shifts
• Harsh 1-2 shift
• Slipping out of gear
• Slipping on the 1-2 shift
• Engine stalling
• Transmission won’t shift out of a gear
• Vehicle won’t move when in gear
• Higher fuel consumption
• Transmission overheats

Causes

• Not enough ATF in the transmission
• Transmission fluid and filter are dirty
• The wiring and connectors may be damaged
• Pressure solenoid has failed
• Transmission pump has failed
• Fluid passages inside the transmission are blocked
• Valve body is not functioning properly
• TCM or ECU has failed

How to Diagnose the Code?

The first thing that a mechanic should look at when diagnosing a solenoid related fault code is the level and condition of the transmission fluid. If it’s excessively dirty, or metal shavings are present, then the transmission could have serious internal damage. Regular maintenance is an easy way to extend the life of your transmission. Failing to have your transmission serviced on time, will result in catastrophic wear to internal components, which include the solenoids. It is possible to flush the transmission and clear blocked hydraulic passages. However, this may only be a temporary fix if damage has already been done to the valve body, clutches or seals.

If the transmission fluid is clean and there are no leaks, then the wiring harness and connectors should be carefully examined for signs of damage and corrosion. If no issues are found, then the 1-2 shift solenoid should be tested directly, following the manufacturers recommended test procedure. If the solenoid functions properly, then other components like the valve body, pressure regulator valve, or transmission pump, could be at fault.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing

Many times, the shift solenoid could be blamed for the fault, when it could actually be dirty transmission fluid, or a clogged hydraulic passage. The solenoid may also need to be tested in a specific way, like while the engine is running, or in a particular gear. Failure to follow the correct procedures could cause the solenoid to appear faulty when it actually isn’t.

What Repairs Will Fix P0754?

• Changing the transmission fluid and filter
• Replace faulty solenoid
• Repair or replace a faulty transmission pump
• Repair or replace defective transmission valve body
• Perform transmission flush to clean passages
• Cleaning corrosion from connectors
• Repairing or replacing wiring
• Flashing or replacing PCM
• Install a rebuilt or remanufactured transmission

Related Codes

P0750 – Shift Solenoid ‘A’

P0751 – Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Performance or Stuck Off

P0752 – Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Stuck On

P0754 – Shift Solenoid ‘A’ Intermittent

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Full Transmission DTC Codes Table