Code
P0733
GWM
P — Powertrain
- 3 gear is not adjusted correctly
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Low or contaminated transmission fluid
- Worn or burnt 3rd gear clutch pack or friction plates
- Damaged planetary gears or internal transmission components
- Faulty shift solenoid(s) controlling 3rd gear
- Valve body sticking or internal hydraulic leak
- Incorrect transmission assembly (wrong gear set or reassembly error)
Symptoms
- MIL/Check Engine light illuminated
- Transmission does not properly engage 3rd gear or slips in 3rd gear
- High engine RPM (over-rev) during upshift into third
- Harsh or delayed shifts into 3rd gear
- Reduced vehicle performance and fuel economy
- Possible limp-home mode or reduced shift availability
What to check
- Connect scan tool; read DTCs, freeze frame and pending codes
- View live data: target gear ratio vs actual ratio, commanded gear, transmission fluid temperature
- Check transmission fluid level, smell and color (burnt odor, dark color, metallic particles)
- Inspect wiring and connectors at the transmission and TCM for damage or corrosion
- Check for related codes (VSS, input speed, solenoids, TCM) and recent service history (transmission work, fluid change)
- Perform a controlled road test to reproduce the fault and capture live data in 3rd gear
Signal parameters
- Engine RPM (RPM)
- Vehicle speed (VSS)
- Transmission input speed (if present)
- Target gear ratio / commanded gear
- Actual/Measured gear ratio or inferred ratio
- Shift solenoid status and duty cycle
Diagnostic algorithm
- Record codes, freeze frame and vehicle history; do not assume single fault
- Clear codes and perform a controlled road test to confirm fault is repeatable in 3rd gear
- Capture live data during shift into 3rd: compare target ratio vs actual; note fluid temperature and RPM behavior
- Check transmission fluid level and condition; bring fluid to correct level and re-test if low or contaminated
- Visually inspect wiring, connectors and ground points for damage or corrosion; repair as necessary
- If a solenoid circuit is suspected, command the solenoid with a scan tool and observe response/duty cycle and corresponding ratio change
- Measure line pressure (mechanical gauge) in 3rd gear per service data; compare to OEM specification to check for hydraulic weakness
- If pressure is low or leaks are suspected, inspect valve body and solenoid bore bores for wear or sticking; consider valve body rebuild or replacement if indicated
- If mechanical damage is suspected from metal in fluid or consistent low pressure, inspect internal transmission components (clutch pack, planetary set) — remove and inspect as required
- Check speed sensor signals (VSS/input) for plausibility; replace sensor or repair wiring if providing incorrect input to TCM
- Review TCM software/version and reset adaptations or update TCM software if a known calibration issue exists; perform any required TCM relearn procedures after repairs
- After repairs, clear codes and perform full road test and final scan to confirm actual ratio matches target and code does not return
Likely causes
- Low fluid level or severely degraded fluid reducing line pressure
- Worn 3rd gear clutch pack or servo causing slip in 3rd gear
- Sticking or failed shift solenoid for 3rd gear circuit
- Valve body internal leak or bore wear affecting hydraulic control to 3rd gear
- Incorrect TCM adaptations or missing TCM flash after a transmission repair
Fault status
Status
P0733 — Incorrect gear ratio detected in 3rd gear (actual_ratio ≠ target_ratio). Indicates hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, sensor or TCM adaptation issues affecting 3rd gear.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 2.0-6.0 hours
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