What P0733 means
The transmission isn't holding third gear properly. You'll usually feel it on the shift from second to third: the engine revs up briefly before the gear catches, or the shift feels soft and late. Low or old fluid is the first thing to check; a worn third-gear clutch or a sticking valve are the more serious causes.
How the engine computer detects it
The transmission module divides input (turbine) speed by output speed and compares the result with the ratio of the commanded gear; a deviation means slip – a clutch or brake not holding, too little pressure – or a wrong gear. Thresholds: Ford more than 30 rpm off for 1.8 s three times (diesel 2023: over 20 % for 12 s), GM's 2006 tables and the Allison 1000 converter slip of 200–230 rpm for 2.25 s after one trip, Saab's Aisin boxes over 20 % twelve times without MIL. P0733 concerns third gear. Slip typically shows as flare on the 2–3 shift. If fourth or fifth gear shows the ratio of third, Aisin-type logic sets P0730 instead. Ford stores it only if the fault fits no particular solenoid. On GM manual transmissions it checks the gear position sensor.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Slipping or flare in third gear, engine speed higher than expected
- Harsh or delayed shifts
- Limp mode (Aisin: second gear and reverse only), transmission warning
- Check engine light depending on manufacturer
Common causes
- Fluid level too low or fluid worn or contaminated Most likely
- Clutch or brake for third gear worn (linings, piston seal) Most likely
- Sticking shift or pressure valve, leaking valve body gasket, blocked passages Possible
- GM manual transmissions only: gear position sensor faulty or not learned Possible
How to diagnose P0733
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition as your owner's manual describes, and look for leaks. Burnt fluid or debris points to internal wear.
- Read the transmission codes with a scanner that supports your transmission. Ratio codes for several gears at once, or a pressure code, point to low fluid or pressure rather than one worn clutch.
- With a scanner on a test drive, check whether the slip happens only during the 2–3 shift or also while holding third at a steady speed.
- Check for service bulletins and software updates for the transmission module.
- A shop can test line pressure and tell a sticking valve in the valve body from a worn clutch. A valve body repair costs much less than a rebuild.
- On some manual transmissions this code checks a gear position sensor instead of slip. A shop can test it and run its relearn.
Vehicles that report P0733 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 2001–2017 | 4 | — | |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2020–2021 | 4 | — | |
| Jeep Gladiator | 2020–2021 | 4 | — | |
| Ford Explorer | 2002 | 3 | 51k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0733 (32 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 7
- Transmission
- 33
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0733?
If it shifts normally, drive gently to a shop and avoid hard acceleration, towing and steep hills. If it slips, flares between gears or stays in one gear, especially on a highway where you can't keep up with traffic, pull off and have it towed.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0733?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0733. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.