What P0746 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. P0746 means the valve is electrically fine but the commanded pressure does not build. GM's clutch-to-clutch units detect it as slip: 400 rpm or more for 1.5 s (T87), or clutch 1 slip over 200 rpm for 3 s three times (9-speed), after one trip; Allison when the oncoming clutch does not apply. Mitsubishi's dual-clutch flags 500 mA current deviation. Slipping or flaring on shifts, a missed gear and limp mode follow; GM's 9-speed bulletin checks clutch plates and replaces the valve body.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Slipping or engine flare on shifts
- Gear not reached, limp mode in a fixed gear
- Check engine light or transmission warning
Common causes
- Pressure valve or spool worn or dirty Most likely
- Fluid level too low, burnt fluid, clogged filter Most likely
- Clutch plates or piston seals of the affected clutch worn Possible
- Line pressure too low (pump, main regulator) Possible
- Learned values missing after repair Less likely
How to diagnose P0746
- 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 P0746 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Quest | 2011–2014 | 5 | 99k | |
| Nissan Maxima | 2009–2014 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0746 (31 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
- 46
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0746?
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 P0746?
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 P0746. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
- P0868Transmission Fluid Pressure Low8 complaints
- P1778Manufacturer-specific code7 complaints
- P0741Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off4 complaints
- P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)3 complaints
- P1700Manufacturer-specific code3 complaints
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.