P0764🔧 Transmission / Shift solenoidsStop and fix promptly

P0764: Shift Solenoid C Intermittent (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

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

What P0764 means

Automatic transmissions shift by sending fluid pressure to the right clutches and bands at the right time, and the shift solenoids open and close valves in the valve body to do that. OBD-Codes.com (John Ingalls, former service manager and Air Force mechanic) describes P0764 as a generic code for an intermittent fault in the shift solenoid C circuit, detected by the powertrain control module (PCM), on vehicles including Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, Hyundai, Kia, Ram, Lexus, Toyota, Mazda, Honda and VW. It says most automatic transmissions have at least three shift solenoids (A, B and C), that the C-solenoid codes are P0760 through P0764, and that an overdrive or other transmission warning lamp may also come on. RepairPal defines it as Shift Solenoid "C" Intermittent, but its explanation only says the TCM sets P0764 when it detects a pressure control solenoid is not performing as desired, the same generic wording it uses for the other C-solenoid codes, and it doesn't say what makes the fault intermittent. Neither source ties solenoid C to a particular gear, and OBD-Codes.com says the codes set vary by vehicle, transmission and number of gears, so check your vehicle's service information for what solenoid C controls.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon, and don't keep driving hard on it. RepairPal rates P0764 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or be unsafe. OBD-Codes.com says the severity normally starts as moderate but can become severe rapidly if it isn't fixed, and lists transmission slipping, overheating, catching in gear and limp mode among the symptoms. If the transmission slips, overheats, gets stuck in one gear or drops into limp mode, limit driving and have it diagnosed. An open code can also fail an OBD2 emissions inspection.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

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

  1. Faulty shift solenoid (both sources)
  2. Faulty or damaged wiring, or a corroded or damaged connector (both sources list wiring; OBD-Codes.com lists connectors)
  3. Low transmission fluid level (both sources)
  4. Transmission control module (TCM) failure (RepairPal)
  5. Dirty or contaminated fluid, or a dirty or clogged transmission filter (OBD-Codes.com)
  6. Defective valve body or restricted hydraulic passages (OBD-Codes.com)
  7. Internal transmission failure (OBD-Codes.com)
  8. Faulty PCM (OBD-Codes.com)

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.

  1. Write down every code stored with P0764 and the freeze frame data; other transmission codes, such as A or B solenoid codes or other C-solenoid codes (P0760, P0761, P0762, P0763), help narrow the problem.
  2. Look up technical service bulletins for your year, model and transmission, and check when the fluid and filter were last changed, as OBD-Codes.com recommends.
  3. Check the transmission fluid level and look for contamination; both sources list low fluid as a cause.
  4. Because the fault comes and goes, inspect the wiring and connectors to the transmission solenoids, transmission pump and PCM closely: look for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, corrosion and damaged pins, and check the shift linkage for security and binding where your transmission has one (OBD-Codes.com).
  5. With power removed, OBD-Codes.com says wiring continuity should read 0 ohms unless your service data says otherwise; resistance or no continuity points to an open or shorted wire. Voltage specs vary by vehicle, so follow your vehicle's troubleshooting chart.

Typical fixes

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 slips, overheats, sticks in a gear or goes into limp mode; RepairPal rates P0764 Urgent
  • OBD-Codes.com says the advanced steps are vehicle specific and need a digital multimeter and the vehicle's own technical references, with voltage specs varying by year and model
  • Several transmission codes are stored at once, or the code keeps coming back after wiring and connector repairs

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 P0764 serious?

Yes, it should be fixed soon. RepairPal rates it Urgent. OBD-Codes.com says it usually starts as moderate but can become severe rapidly if not corrected, with slipping, overheating, catching in gear and limp mode possible.

Can I drive with P0764?

Neither source gives a safe distance. Because RepairPal rates it Urgent and OBD-Codes.com says it can worsen quickly, keep driving to a minimum and stop if the transmission slips, overheats or goes into limp mode.

What does intermittent mean for P0764?

OBD-Codes.com describes P0764 as an intermittent fault in the shift solenoid C circuit, meaning the problem isn't present all the time. Neither source gives a specific test for it, so the wiring, connector and continuity checks above are the place to start, alongside the fluid check.

How is P0764 different from P0760 through P0763?

All are shift solenoid C codes. OBD-Codes.com describes P0760 as a general malfunction in the C circuit, P0761 as a performance problem or stuck-off condition, P0762 as stuck on, P0763 as an electrical malfunction and P0764 as an intermittent fault; both sources list similar causes and symptoms for each.

Why do the sources disagree?

RepairPal titles the code Intermittent but its explanation only says the TCM sets it when a pressure control solenoid isn't performing as desired, and it lists the TCM as a cause, while OBD-Codes.com describes an intermittent fault in the solenoid C circuit detected by the PCM and lists the PCM. OBD-Codes.com also lists more causes, including dirty fluid, a clogged filter, the valve body and internal transmission failure, and rates severity as moderate at first rather than Urgent.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0764 Shift Solenoid C Intermittent
  2. RepairPal: P0764 Shift Solenoid "C" Intermittent (rated Urgent)

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