Shift Solenoid D Intermittent
Your transmission's shift solenoid D is cutting in and out intermittently, like a light switch that flickers on and off. This prevents smooth gear changes and can cause the transmission to behave unpredictably.
The ECM monitors solenoid D coil current, voltage drop, and response time to activation commands. It detects intermittent electrical faults when the solenoid fails to respond consistently or shows unstable current draw patterns.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Solenoid Coil Current | 0.4–0.8 amps at activation | Drops below 0.3 amps or spikes above 1.2 amps intermittently |
| Solenoid Response Time | 50–150 milliseconds | Exceeds 200 ms or varies erratically |
Code P0773 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, P0773 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.