Code
P0773
SEAT
P — Powertrain
Shift solenoid 5 - open circuit or short to ground or B+
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or high-resistance wiring between TCM and shift solenoid 5
- Short to ground in the solenoid feed or control circuit
- Short to battery (B+) in the solenoid control circuit
- Faulty or internally shorted shift solenoid 5
- Corroded, contaminated or loose connector at the solenoid or TCM
- Blown fuse or faulty transmission relay/power supply
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated and code P0773 stored
- Transmission may default to limp mode (reduced gears)
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts related to the affected gear circuit
- Poor acceleration or inability to shift into certain gears
- Transmission may stay in a single gear or go to failsafe gear
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and related transmission codes with a capable scan tool
- Visually inspect solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out, or fluid contamination
- Check transmission power supply fuses and relays
- Backprobe solenoid 5 connector while operating (or commanding) and observe voltages and control signals
- Measure solenoid coil resistance at the connector with harness disconnected
- Wiggle test wiring while monitoring live data or watch for pending/fault codes
Signal parameters
- Normal coil resistance: refer to factory spec — typical automatic solenoid coils often measure roughly 6–30 ohms (model dependent)
- Control signal when commanded: PWM or switched ground from TCM — duty cycle varies with gear and load
- Battery voltage present at solenoid power feed with key ON (~12 V)
- When commanded ON: control side should switch to ground (or to B+) as per vehicle design; voltage at control pin will change accordingly
- No continuity to ground when circuit is open; low resistance to ground indicates short to ground; near-battery voltage present at control pin with key OFF indicates short to B+
Diagnostic algorithm
- Obtain a full DTC report and confirm P0773 is current or stored; clear codes and attempt to replicate.
- Perform a thorough visual inspection of the solenoid 5 connector, pins and wiring harness for chafing, corrosion, fluid intrusion or pin damage.
- With ignition ON (engine off) backprobe the solenoid connector: verify battery feed (≈12 V) and control signal behavior while commanding solenoid ON/OFF with a scan tool.
- Disconnect the solenoid connector and measure coil resistance between solenoid pins; compare to factory spec. An open or infinite reading indicates an open coil; near-zero indicates short.
- If wiring appears intact but readings are abnormal, perform a short-to-ground and short-to-battery test on the harness: disconnect connector at TCM if accessible and measure for continuity to ground and battery.
- If available, apply battery voltage directly to the solenoid (bench or vehicle) to confirm operation (be careful to avoid damage; use manufacturer procedure).
- If another identical solenoid circuit is present, swap solenoids (or swap connectors) to see if the fault follows the solenoid or remains with the circuit.
- Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors, or the solenoid as indicated by tests. Replace fuse/relay if faulty.
- After repairs clear codes, retest by commanding solenoid and road test to confirm normal operation and that the code does not return.
- If wiring and solenoid test good but code persists, test/replace TCM/PCM only after exhaustive wiring and module power/ground checks and per manufacturer guidance.
Likely causes
- Corroded/loose connector at the solenoid
- Broken/chafed wire in harness to solenoid 5
- Failed solenoid coil (open or shorted)
- Short to battery or ground at the harness
- Blown fuse or intermittent power supply
Fault status
Status
P0773 — Shift Solenoid 5 circuit open, short to ground, or short to battery detected. Inspect solenoid, connector, wiring and power/ground. May cause limp mode and abnormal shifting.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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