What P0745 means
Pressure control solenoid A sets line or clutch pressure by current; most are 'normally high', so with no current – as in limp mode – maximum pressure applies. 'A' is usually the line pressure valve, on GM clutch-to-clutch transmissions (6T, 8L, 9T) the pressure valve of clutch 1.
How the engine computer detects it
Ford does not use P0745–P0749 but P0960–P0963. P0745 is the general code for this valve; the sub-codes P0746–P0749 follow. It is documented on Mitsubishi CVTs as a current plausibility check: at most 400 mA while 750 mA or more is commanded for 5 s, or 1.34 A or more for 1 s. A failure usually leaves the valve unpowered, so pressure goes to maximum: harsh shifts and, depending on the transmission, limp mode in a fixed gear.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Harsh shifts or engagement (maximum pressure)
- Limp mode in a fixed gear
- Transmission warning or check engine light
Common causes
- Pressure control solenoid (coil) faulty Most likely
- Transmission harness or connector Most likely
- Contaminated fluid, valve sluggish Possible
- Transmission module Less likely
How to diagnose P0745
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: pressure control solenoid a, transmission valve body, transmission wiring, transmission control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P0745 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 2002 | 4 | 76k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0745 (9 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
- 45
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0745?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0745?
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.
Will P0745 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0745. 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.