P0746 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0746 means
Pressure control solenoid A sets line or clutch pressure by current; most are 'normally high', so with no current – as in limp mode – maximum pressure applies. 'A' is usually the line pressure valve, on GM clutch-to-clutch transmissions (6T, 8L, 9T) the pressure valve of clutch 1. Ford does not use P0745–P0749 but P0960–P0963. P0746 means the valve is electrically fine but the commanded pressure does not build. GM's clutch-to-clutch units detect it as slip: 400 rpm or more for 1.5 s (T87), or clutch 1 slip over 200 rpm for 3 s three times (9-speed), after one trip; Allison when the oncoming clutch does not apply. Mitsubishi's dual-clutch flags 500 mA current deviation. Slipping or flaring on shifts, a missed gear and limp mode follow; GM's 9-speed bulletin checks clutch plates and replaces the valve body.
P0746 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor2 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0746
- Slipping or engine flare on shifts
- Gear not reached, limp mode in a fixed gear
- Check engine light or transmission warning
Common causes of P0746
- Most likelyPressure valve or spool worn or dirty
- Most likelyFluid level too low, burnt fluid, clogged filter
- PossibleClutch plates or piston seals of the affected clutch worn
- PossibleLine pressure too low (pump, main regulator)
- Less likelyLearned values missing after repair
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Pressure control solenoid aTransmission valve bodyTransmission wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0746 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0746 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0746
What does P0746 mean?
P0746 means "Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off". Pressure control solenoid A sets line or clutch pressure by current; most are 'normally high', so with no current – as in limp mode – maximum pressure applies. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0746?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0746 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0746 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0746 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0746 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 2 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0746 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.