code P0733

[fusion1127]

Hi All, Am getting a code P0733 on my 1999 QX4, Auto, what is it and how can i fix it? thanks.

P.S. vehicle got trans problem at the moment.

[Ron Burgundy]

P0733 Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

What the hell does that mean? Beats me.

I'll look into it and let you know.

[Ron Burgundy]

Here you go.

If you need to read more into it just google it.The below was taken from a Saturn forum.

Here is the diagnostics which may help you understand a bit of whatis involved in testing the trans for this. Go into Saturn and explain what kind of problem you are having and what has been found out at other shops. There will be a certain amount of testing involved and charges for it. The Saturn store at least will have the right equipment to check everything.

Before you take the car in check all of the fuses in the under hood fuse block especially the ones labelled TRS as the are the trans fuses. Because your problem is intermittant I doubt it is a fuse but to be safe than sorry. It may even just be a loose fuse connection. What kind of condition is the wiring connector on the top of the trans like? Good shape, no frayed wires, not oil soaked?

DTC P0733Circuit Description

During normal driving modules the PCM/TC adapts line pressure to prevent clutch slip and harsh shifts. If 3rd clutch is slipping after pressure is adapted to the high line, it is determined that there is no 3rd gear. Third gear clutch is applied by opening circuit 1223 at the PCM.

Conditions for Setting the DTCDTC P0733 can be set while driving in 3rd, steady state, or during an up or down shift to 3rd, and when the PCM/TC has detected the following conditions twice per ignition cycle:

Vehicle speed is above 5 km/h (3 mph). Input shaft speed is greater than 224 RPM. No input shaft or vehicle speed, or noise DTCs. High line pressure has been commanded. The ratio counter is 255 at steady state or the shift failure counter is greater than 100 during a downshift or upshift. Test Description

Check for DTCs P0705, P0706, P0708, P0745, P0749, P0761, P0763, P0764, P0766, P0768, P0769, or P0783. They must be eliminated first as a possible cause of DTC P0733. Check the solenoid operation. Use the solenoid quick check in the test section located at the end of the DTC charts. The actuator quick test will PWM the solenoids at a set rate. Listen and compare the noise of the 3rd gear actuator to that of the other solenoids. The noise of all should be similar.

ImportantTo check solenoid operation, command the solenoid quick test using the scan tool.

Check the pressure regulator valve operation. Use the pressure test in the test section at the end of the DTC charts. Make sure the pressure increases in correct increments during the pressure test. If the pressure is low, repair the pressure condition first. For pressure apply points, refer to Test Section Diagnosis. Apply compressed air with the rubber nozzle on the air gun. This step determines if there is an internal problem. If there is a cross leak to another clutch, there may also be another DTC set indicating a gear stuck ON. This may help diagnose and pinpoint the source of a leak. As pressure is applied and released, the clutch plates should also apply and release. Observe oil holes in the clutch housing. If oil has darkened and contains clutch plate material, the clutches have probably failed. Repair VerificationMonitor the DTC menu Code Status for Pass Since Code Clear and Pass This Ignition Cycle. When both have passed, the repair is verified.

Criteria for pass:

Steady state in 3rd gear with no slip for 0.4 seconds. No slip for 0.1 seconds with the engine torque greater than 30 counts. Diagnostic AidsWhen the PCM detects a fault in the circuit, open, ground, or short, the PCM will open the circuit internally to protect the circuit. It could be a hot or cold only condition. If the condition is intermittent, try to reproduce the conditions in the MALF table to reset the DTC. If a DTC indicating 4th gear is stuck on, DTC P0733 will also set. Repair the 4th gear stuck on DTC first.

[dllkbales1]

The O0733 code is a transmission code, the trans is not engaging into 3rd gear when commanded. According to alldata diagnosics this is not an ECM problem but more of and internal issue. You could have a stuck solinoid, bad band, worn friction material, or a bad piston seal. You could be getting in over your head without advanced trans experience. There is your trans problem, sorry. Dave

[fusion1127]

thanks for the info, will let you know the outcome.