What Does P0773 Mean?
The TCM has detected an intermittent electrical fault in the Shift Solenoid D circuit. The solenoid's electrical signal is cutting in and out, indicating a loose connection, damaged wire, or solenoid that is beginning to fail. This intermittent nature makes it harder to diagnose than a consistent failure, as the fault may only appear under certain conditions such as temperature, vibration, or load.
Common Causes
30%
Intermittent internal solenoid D coil failure (thermal-sensitive open or short)
30%
Loose, corroded, or damaged connector pins at the transmission harness connector
20%
Chafed or intermittently broken wire in the transmission harness
12%
TCM connector with loose pin or intermittent contact
8%
Intermittent TCM driver circuit fault
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check freeze frame data to identify the operating conditions (temperature, speed, load) when the fault occurs to help reproduce it.
2
Inspect the transmission external connector for signs of moisture, corrosion, pushed-back pins, or loose terminal tension.
3
Measure solenoid D resistance both cold and after the transmission reaches operating temperature — intermittent coil failures often appear when hot.
4
Perform a thorough wiggle test of the entire wiring harness from TCM to transmission while monitoring solenoid D circuit with a multimeter or oscilloscope.
5
Check for TSBs related to wiring harness routing or connector design issues for the specific vehicle.
6
If no external fault is found, replace solenoid D as intermittent internal coil failures are common and difficult to catch on a bench test.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $900
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The TCM has detected an intermittent electrical fault in the Shift Solenoid D circuit. The solenoid's electrical signal is cutting in and out, indicating a loose connection, damaged wire, or solenoid that is beginning to fail. This intermittent nature makes it harder to diagnose than a consistent fa...
The most common cause of P0773 (Shift Solenoid D Intermittent) is: Intermittent internal solenoid D coil failure (thermal-sensitive open or short)
Typical repair costs for P0773 range from $150 to $900, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle may intermittently exhibit harsh shifts, flares, or momentary limp mode. Since the fault is intermittent, driving may seem normal at times. However, unpredictable shifting behavior can be a safety concern, especially during highway merging or passing. Have it diagnosed soon.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0773 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Automatic Transmission
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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