Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
The P0733 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio. This is a critical severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $200 - $4000 (parts and labor)
Read and clear transmission codes. Many trans codes are caused by low or burnt fluid -- check level and color before assuming the worst.
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Slipping in third gear
- RPM flare during 2-3 shift
- Loss of power at highway speeds
- Harsh shifting into or out of third
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Worn third gear clutch pack Very High
- Faulty shift solenoid controlling third gear High
- Valve body sticking or worn Moderate
- Low transmission fluid Moderate
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Monitor third gear ratio with input and output speed sensors
-
Check shift solenoid operation for third gear
-
Perform line pressure test in third gear
-
Inspect transmission fluid condition
-
Transmission rebuild likely needed if clutch packs are worn
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0733 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2001-2014 Honda Accord/Odyssey Automatic Easy (fluid), Advanced (solenoid/rebuild) DIY
Third gear ratio errors on Honda automatics typically indicate worn 3rd gear clutch plates or a failing linear solenoid (shift solenoid C). On the Odyssey, this is a well-known failure that Honda addressed with an extended warranty on 2002-2006 models. Try 3x drain-and-fill with Honda DW-1 ATF first. If code persists, the linear solenoid assembly in the valve body needs replacement or the transmission needs a rebuild.
Labor: 30 min (fluid), 3-4 hours (solenoid), 8+ hours (rebuild)2005-2017 Toyota Camry/Highlander U250E/U151E Easy (fluid), Advanced (solenoid) DIY
Third gear slipping on Toyota U-series transmissions is commonly caused by C3 clutch pack wear or a failing SL3 solenoid. Before tearing into the transmission, check for TSBs -- Toyota issued T-SB-0125-16 covering solenoid calibration updates for 2012-2016 Camrys. A solenoid replacement through the valve body is the first step before considering a full rebuild.
Labor: 30 min (fluid), 4-6 hours (solenoid)2005-2017 Ford F-150/Explorer 6R80 Easy (fluid), Advanced (valve body) DIY
Third gear ratio fault on the 6R80 often stems from intermediate clutch wear or a problem with the #3 trim solenoid in the mechatronic unit. Ford's IDS scan tool can read clutch apply pressures to pinpoint the issue. If adaptive values are maxed out, the intermediate clutch is worn. A valve body replacement with updated solenoids is recommended over spot-repairing individual solenoids.
Labor: 30 min (fluid), 6-8 hours (valve body)Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0733?
Drive short distances only. An incorrect gear ratio indicates the transmission is slipping or not engaging properly. Continued driving can cause catastrophic transmission failure.
Does P0733 mean I need a new transmission?
Not always, but often. If the cause is a worn clutch pack or band, a transmission rebuild or replacement is typically necessary. If a solenoid or valve body is the cause, repair may be less extensive.
How is gear ratio measured for P0733?
The TCM compares input shaft speed to output shaft speed. The calculated ratio should match the expected gear ratio. When the ratio deviates beyond a threshold, the code is set.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0733 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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