How is fault code P0733 fixed?

A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training. 1. Check the fluid level and condition with the engine warm and running, on the proper procedure for that box. Low or dark, burnt-smelling fluid explains a lot of P0733s before you touch anything else 2. Pull all stored codes. If you've got input or output speed sensor faults sitting alongside it, fix those first because they can throw a false ratio error 3. Plug in and watch live data on a test drive, comparing the actual third gear ratio against the manufacturer's spec figure. A genuine mechanical slip shows the ratio drifting under load 4. Inspect the gearbox wiring and the main connector for corrosion, oil contamination, or chafing. ATF creeping up the loom into a sensor connector is a known troublemaker 5. Check for any TCM software updates or service bulletins for the model, then test the shift solenoids for correct resistance and operation 6. If fluid, sensors, wiring and solenoids all check out, the slip is internal. At that point you're looking at clutch packs or the valve body, a

Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

Jump to the fix

Severity

High

Can I keep driving?

Avoid extended driving; visit a service soon.

First step

A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training. 1. Check the fluid level and condition with the engine warm and running, on the proper procedure for that box. Low or dark, burnt-smelling fluid explains a lot of P0733s before you touch anything else 2. Pull all stored codes.

PPowertrain
0Generic code
7Transmission
33Sequence number

What does it mean?

Gear ratios allow vehicles to achieve high speeds and climb steep mountains. When referring to the transmission, the gear ratio is the difference between input speed and output speed. So, if the input speed is 2 rpm and the output speed is 4 rpm the gear ratio would be 2:1 (said: 2 to 1). These gear ratios are the gears in your transmission. Same principal that is in a bicycle, gear ratios allow you get up steep hills with minimal force and achieve high speed with minimal force .

In the code itself, it state the error is in 1st. They are referring to the 1st gear of the transmission. Often times, there are speed sensors at the input and output of the transmission. The ECM uses these sensors, to compare speeds and insure accurate gear ratio is present in 1st gear. Once the ECM determines the gear ratio to be outside of specified valued, it illuminates the check engine light in the dash accompanied with this code.

Symptoms

Likely causes

How to fix it

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This information follows the generic OBD-II definition and does not replace a vehicle-specific diagnosis. The severity rating is rule-based; an authorised diagnostic reading is required for a definitive answer.