P0747: Pressure Control Solenoid A Stuck On (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0747 means
Automatic transmissions shift by applying clutches and bands with hydraulic fluid pressure. Pressure control solenoids, usually at least an A, B and C, regulate that pressure. OBD-Codes.com says the powertrain control module (PCM) sets P0747 when pressure control solenoid A is stuck in the on position, and that the solenoid A codes are P0745, P0746, P0747, P0748 and P0749, each set for a different kind of malfunction. RepairPal describes the trigger more generally: the transmission control module (TCM) sets P0747 when it detects that a pressure control solenoid is not performing as desired, which is the same wording it uses for P0746. The two sources name a different module because some vehicles control the transmission from the PCM and others from a separate TCM; it's the same fault. OBD-Codes.com notes this is a generic code for vehicles with automatic transmissions, including Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge, Jeep, Honda and Allison/Duramax applications, but exact repair steps vary by year, make, model and powertrain.
Severity: can I keep driving?
Stop and fix promptly
Get it fixed soon and drive gently until you do. Sources differ on how serious it is: RepairPal rates P0747 Urgent, meaning immediate action is needed because it can cause severe damage, while OBD-Codes.com says it normally starts as moderate but can progress to a more severe level rapidly if not corrected in a timely manner. If the transmission slips, overheats, catches in gear or drops into limp mode, avoid highway driving and towing and get it to a shop before more damage is done.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on (OBD-Codes.com)
- Transmission may not shift properly or slips when shifting (both sources)
- Vehicle enters limp mode (OBD-Codes.com)
- Transmission overheating (OBD-Codes.com)
- Transmission catches in gear (OBD-Codes.com)
- Increased fuel consumption or decreased fuel economy (both sources)
- Possibly misfire-like symptoms (OBD-Codes.com)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Failed pressure control solenoid (both sources)
- Low transmission fluid level (RepairPal) or dirty, contaminated fluid (OBD-Codes.com)
- Dirty or clogged transmission filter (OBD-Codes.com)
- Faulty or damaged wiring, or a corroded or damaged connector (both sources)
- Defective transmission pump or valve body, or restricted hydraulic passages (OBD-Codes.com)
- Faulty PCM or TCM (both sources)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Check the transmission fluid level and look at its condition for contamination, following your owner's manual procedure. Both sources list fluid problems as a cause.
- Find out when the transmission fluid and filter were last changed. OBD-Codes.com recommends checking service records before changing the fluid.
- Visually inspect the wiring and connectors to the pressure control solenoids, the transmission pump and the PCM for damage, corrosion, loose connections or damaged pins.
- Read all stored codes. OBD-Codes.com lists engine misfire, transmission pump, internal transmission and driveline problems as possible misdiagnoses, so other codes can point you in the right direction.
Typical fixes
- Change the transmission fluid and filter, or flush the transmission to clean passages (OBD-Codes.com)
- Replace the faulty pressure control solenoid (both sources list solenoid failure)
- Clean corrosion from connectors and repair or replace damaged wiring
- Repair or replace the transmission pump or valve body if testing points there (OBD-Codes.com)
- Flash (reprogram) or replace the PCM or TCM if it is confirmed faulty
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 transmission is slipping, overheating, catching in gear or stuck in limp mode
- Testing needs a digital multimeter, vehicle-specific voltage and fluid pressure specifications and technical references; OBD-Codes.com says wiring should normally read 0 ohms with power removed
- OBD-Codes.com recommends checking technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your year, model and transmission first, which a dealer or shop can look up
- Valve body, pump and solenoid work usually means removing the transmission pan or more
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0747?
Only gently and briefly. RepairPal rates it Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says it can go from moderate to severe rapidly if not corrected, so get it diagnosed before the transmission is damaged further.
Is P0747 always a bad solenoid?
No. Both sources also list wiring and the control module, RepairPal lists low fluid, and OBD-Codes.com adds dirty fluid, a clogged filter, the pump, the valve body and restricted passages. Check fluid and wiring before buying a solenoid.
What's the difference between P0746 and P0747?
Both are about pressure control solenoid A. Per OBD-Codes.com, P0746 is a performance or stuck-off problem, while P0747 means the solenoid is stuck on. RepairPal uses the same general 'not performing as desired' description for both.
How much does it cost to fix P0747?
Neither source gives a repair cost. It ranges widely depending on whether the fix is a fluid service, wiring, the solenoid, the valve body or the pump, so get a diagnosis and 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.