Corroded or damaged connector, or faulty or damaged wiring (both sources); a loose connection is a classic cause of an on-and-off fault. Defective pressure control solenoid (both sources). Low transmission fluid level (RepairPal). Dirty or contaminated fluid, a clogged transmission filter or restricted hydraulic passages (OBD-Codes.com). Defective transmission pump or valve body (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty PCM (OBD-Codes.com) or TCM failure (RepairPal).

Top up or change the transmission fluid and filter, or flush the transmission to clean passages (OBD-Codes.com). Clean corrosion from connectors and repair or replace damaged wiring. Replace the faulty pressure control solenoid (both sources list solenoid failure). Repair or replace the valve body or transmission pump if testing points there (OBD-Codes.com). Flash (reprogram) or replace the PCM or TCM if it is confirmed faulty.

P0749🔧 Automatic transmission (pressure control)Stop and fix promptly

P0749: Pressure Control Solenoid A Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0749 mean?

P0749 means the computer that runs the automatic transmission has seen pressure control solenoid A, the valve that sets the fluid pressure used to shift gears, working only intermittently. Loose or corroded connectors, damaged wiring, a failing solenoid and low or dirty fluid are the usual suspects, and left alone it can lead to slipping and further transmission damage. Automatic transmissions change gears 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 P0749 when pressure control solenoid A is operating intermittently, and that the other solenoid A codes are P0745, P0746, P0747 and P0748, each set for a different specific fault. RepairPal's explanation is more generic: it says the transmission control module (TCM) sets P0749 when it detects a pressure control solenoid is not performing as desired, which is the same wording it uses for the other solenoid A codes, though its headline does say "Intermittent". 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. The sources also differ on causes: OBD-Codes.com lists a long set of hydraulic and electrical causes, while RepairPal lists only four (TCM failure, low fluid, solenoid failure and wiring), and RepairPal is the only one that names low fluid level. This is a generic code for vehicles with automatic transmissions, and OBD-Codes.com lists Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Allison/Duramax, Dodge, Jeep, Honda and Acura among them, but notes exact repair steps vary by year, make, model and powertrain.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0749?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it fixed soon and drive gently until you do. Sources differ on how serious it is: RepairPal rates P0749 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. Because the fault comes and goes, the car may drive normally one day and slip or drop into limp mode the next. If the transmission slips, overheats, shifts harshly or goes into limp mode, avoid highway driving and towing and get it to a shop before more damage is done.

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0749 means

Automatic transmissions change gears 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 P0749 when pressure control solenoid A is operating intermittently, and that the other solenoid A codes are P0745, P0746, P0747 and P0748, each set for a different specific fault. RepairPal's explanation is more generic: it says the transmission control module (TCM) sets P0749 when it detects a pressure control solenoid is not performing as desired, which is the same wording it uses for the other solenoid A codes, though its headline does say "Intermittent". 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. The sources also differ on causes: OBD-Codes.com lists a long set of hydraulic and electrical causes, while RepairPal lists only four (TCM failure, low fluid, solenoid failure and wiring), and RepairPal is the only one that names low fluid level. This is a generic code for vehicles with automatic transmissions, and OBD-Codes.com lists Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Allison/Duramax, Dodge, Jeep, Honda and Acura among them, but notes 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 P0749 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. Because the fault comes and goes, the car may drive normally one day and slip or drop into limp mode the next. If the transmission slips, overheats, shifts harshly or goes 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 slips when shifting (OBD-Codes.com) or may not shift properly (RepairPal)
Vehicle enters limp mode (OBD-Codes.com)
Transmission overheating (OBD-Codes.com)
Transmission catches in gear (OBD-Codes.com)
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.

Corroded or damaged connector, or faulty or damaged wiring (both sources); a loose connection is a classic cause of an on-and-off fault
Defective pressure control solenoid (both sources)
Low transmission fluid level (RepairPal)
Dirty or contaminated fluid, a clogged transmission filter or restricted hydraulic passages (OBD-Codes.com)
Defective transmission pump or valve body (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty PCM (OBD-Codes.com) or TCM failure (RepairPal)

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.

Check the transmission fluid level and look at its condition, following your owner's manual procedure. RepairPal lists low fluid as a cause, and OBD-Codes.com says to look for contamination.
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 transmission, the pressure control solenoids, the transmission pump and the PCM for damage, corrosion, loose connections or damaged pins. With an intermittent code, a connector that isn't fully seated is worth a close look.
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

Top up or change the transmission fluid and filter, or flush the transmission to clean passages (OBD-Codes.com)
Clean corrosion from connectors and repair or replace damaged wiring
Replace the faulty pressure control solenoid (both sources list solenoid failure)
Repair or replace the valve body or transmission pump 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
Continuity checks should read 0 ohms unless the service data says otherwise and must be done with power removed from the circuit (OBD-Codes.com); this needs a digital multimeter and vehicle-specific specifications
OBD-Codes.com says the advanced steps are very vehicle specific, with voltage and fluid pressure requirements that vary by model and transmission design
OBD-Codes.com recommends checking technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your year, model and transmission first, which a dealer or shop can look up

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

Can I drive with P0749?

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.

Why does P0749 come and go?

OBD-Codes.com says the code is set when pressure control solenoid A is operating intermittently, so the fault isn't present all the time. Loose or corroded connectors and damaged wiring are common reasons a fault comes and goes, which is why both sources list wiring among the causes.

What's the difference between P0748 and P0749?

Both are about pressure control solenoid A. OBD-Codes.com describes P0748 as an electrical malfunction and P0749 as the solenoid operating intermittently.

How much does it cost to fix P0749?

Neither source gives a repair cost. It ranges widely depending on whether the fix is a fluid top-up or service, wiring, the solenoid, the valve body or the pump, so get a diagnosis and written estimate first.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.