Low or dirty transmission fluid (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists dirty fluid restricting the hydraulic passages. Faulty shift solenoid (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal names a defective 3rd gear shift solenoid. Blocked passages or a problem in the valve body (main control) (both sources). Mechanical failure inside the transmission (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal names a defective 3rd gear set or clutch pack. Faulty transmission control module (OBD-Codes.com). Defective engine coolant temperature sensor (RepairPal). The sources differ: OBD-Codes.com lists the TCM, while RepairPal lists the coolant temperature sensor. RepairPal also lists the 3rd gear clutch pack as a cause but calls an internal transmission problem a common misdiagnosis, so rule out fluid, solenoid and valve body problems first.

Correct the fluid level, or service dirty transmission fluid. Repair any shift solenoid electrical fault first, then replace a faulty 3rd gear shift solenoid if testing points to it. Repair the valve body (main control) if passages are blocked or pressure is wrong. Repair internal parts such as the 3rd gear clutch pack or gear set when diagnosis confirms mechanical failure. Replace or reprogram the TCM only after other causes are ruled out.

P0733🔧 Transmission / Gear ratio monitoringStop and fix promptly

P0733: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0733 mean?

P0733 means the computer sees that the transmission's actual third-gear ratio doesn't match what it should be, which usually means third gear is slipping, shifting late or not engaging. Common causes include low or dirty transmission fluid, a faulty shift solenoid or valve body, or a worn 3rd gear clutch pack or other internal part. An automatic transmission uses several gear ratios, and the computer checks that each gear is really working by comparing speed signals. RepairPal says P0733 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) sees more than a specified RPM difference between the transmission's input speed sensor and its output speed sensor while in 3rd gear, either during the shift or at steady speed, and that this often implies the transmission is slipping. OBD-Codes.com describes the check slightly differently: the ECM, PCM or transmission control module (TCM) often compares engine speed with the transmission speed sensor to work out the gear ratio and torque converter slip, and sets the code when the calculation doesn't match the desired value, which can happen while shifting into 3rd or driving in 3rd. RepairPal adds that the TCM uses solenoids to control the fluid pressure that applies each gear, and sets P0733 when it detects the transmission is not going into third gear. It is a generic OBD-II code for 1996 and newer vehicles, though repair steps vary by make and model. Related codes are P0730 (incorrect gear ratio, not tied to one gear), P0731 (1st gear), P0732 (2nd gear) and P0734 to P0736 for the other gears; OBD-Codes.com says to repair any other transmission codes first.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0733?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0733 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe, and says it often means the transmission is slipping. OBD-Codes.com doesn't give a severity rating, but lists a delayed shift or no shift into 3rd gear and transmission slipping. If the car slips badly, won't shift into third, or stalls when coming to a stop, avoid driving it in traffic and have the transmission checked.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0733 means

An automatic transmission uses several gear ratios, and the computer checks that each gear is really working by comparing speed signals. RepairPal says P0733 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) sees more than a specified RPM difference between the transmission's input speed sensor and its output speed sensor while in 3rd gear, either during the shift or at steady speed, and that this often implies the transmission is slipping. OBD-Codes.com describes the check slightly differently: the ECM, PCM or transmission control module (TCM) often compares engine speed with the transmission speed sensor to work out the gear ratio and torque converter slip, and sets the code when the calculation doesn't match the desired value, which can happen while shifting into 3rd or driving in 3rd. RepairPal adds that the TCM uses solenoids to control the fluid pressure that applies each gear, and sets P0733 when it detects the transmission is not going into third gear. It is a generic OBD-II code for 1996 and newer vehicles, though repair steps vary by make and model. Related codes are P0730 (incorrect gear ratio, not tied to one gear), P0731 (1st gear), P0732 (2nd gear) and P0734 to P0736 for the other gears; OBD-Codes.com says to repair any other transmission codes first.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0733 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe, and says it often means the transmission is slipping. OBD-Codes.com doesn't give a severity rating, but lists a delayed shift or no shift into 3rd gear and transmission slipping. If the car slips badly, won't shift into third, or stalls when coming to a stop, avoid driving it in traffic and have the transmission checked.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources)
Delayed shift or not shifting into 3rd gear (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal says the vehicle will not shift properly
Transmission slipping (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal says the code often implies slipping)
Lower fuel economy (both sources)
In some cases, dying when coming to a stop after freeway driving, or misfire-like symptoms (RepairPal)
In unusual cases, no noticeable symptoms (RepairPal)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Low or dirty transmission fluid (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal lists dirty fluid restricting the hydraulic passages
Faulty shift solenoid (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal names a defective 3rd gear shift solenoid
Blocked passages or a problem in the valve body (main control) (both sources)
Mechanical failure inside the transmission (OBD-Codes.com); RepairPal names a defective 3rd gear set or clutch pack
Faulty transmission control module (OBD-Codes.com)
Defective engine coolant temperature sensor (RepairPal)
The sources differ: OBD-Codes.com lists the TCM, while RepairPal lists the coolant temperature sensor. RepairPal also lists the 3rd gear clutch pack as a cause but calls an internal transmission problem a common misdiagnosis, so rule out fluid, solenoid and valve body problems first

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Read all stored codes and write down the freeze frame data. If there are other transmission codes, such as a shift solenoid electrical code, OBD-Codes.com says to fix those first.
Check the transmission fluid level and condition before anything else; both sources link low or dirty fluid to this code, and OBD-Codes.com notes fluid problems can affect several gears.
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle; there may be a known fix.
If only P0733 is stored, OBD-Codes.com suggests a test drive to see whether 3rd gear actually works. RepairPal says to note engine load, throttle position, RPM and road speed, because the code can be hard to duplicate.

Typical fixes

Correct the fluid level, or service dirty transmission fluid
Repair any shift solenoid electrical fault first, then replace a faulty 3rd gear shift solenoid if testing points to it
Repair the valve body (main control) if passages are blocked or pressure is wrong
Repair internal parts such as the 3rd gear clutch pack or gear set when diagnosis confirms mechanical failure
Replace or reprogram the TCM only after other causes are ruled out

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

The car slips badly, won't shift into third, or stalls when coming to a stop
Several incorrect-ratio codes are stored at once; OBD-Codes.com says that can point to internal mechanical, pressure, blocked-passage or torque converter problems
Diagnosis needs an advanced scan tool to see the commanded gear and compare engine and transmission speeds; RepairPal's shop test compares input and output RPM in 3rd gear on a flat road with the engine warm
Fluid checks out and the code keeps coming back; OBD-Codes.com says this repair often needs advanced transmission knowledge and the factory service manual

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Is P0733 serious?

Yes, treat it as serious. RepairPal rates it Urgent and says it often means the transmission is slipping. Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon to avoid further transmission damage.

Can low transmission fluid cause P0733?

It can. OBD-Codes.com lists low or dirty fluid as a cause and says to check fluid level and condition first; RepairPal lists dirty fluid restricting the hydraulic passages.

Does P0733 mean I need a new transmission?

Not necessarily. Both sources list fixable causes such as fluid problems, a shift solenoid or the valve body. RepairPal lists a worn 3rd gear clutch pack as one cause but also calls an internal transmission problem a common misdiagnosis, so get a proper diagnosis before agreeing to a rebuild.

Why do I have P0733 along with P0732 or P0734?

OBD-Codes.com says several incorrect-ratio codes together point toward a shared problem, such as fluid level or condition, line pressure, a blocked passage in the main control, or an internal mechanical fault, rather than one gear's parts.

How much does it cost to fix P0733?

Neither source gives a repair cost. The price ranges widely depending on whether it's fluid, a solenoid, the valve body or internal parts, so get a diagnosis and a written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.