P0751 code meaning
Shift Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0751 means
A shift solenoid is an electrically switched valve in the valve body; together the solenoid states select the gear, and the module checks the result by gear ratio, slip or a pressure switch – the pattern of wrong gears shows which solenoid hangs off or on. P0751 means solenoid A is commanded on but valve, clutch or gear do not follow. GM's 6T70 flags a ratio of 1.34–1.48 with slip of 400 rpm for 0.3 s eight times and locks out first gear; GM 4-speeds recognise the pattern 2-2-3-3; both after two trips. Allison checks its pressure switch for 5 s after one trip. Ford's 'functionally failed off' covers the whole clutch circuit, and its 10R80 and 8F35 bulletins show purely mechanical causes such as a leaking clutch cylinder.
P0751 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1.5 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0751
- Gears missing or skipped
- Pulling away in the wrong gear, weak acceleration
- Limp mode or gear lock-out
- Check engine light
Common causes of P0751
- Most likelyShift spool in the valve body sticking (dirt, debris)
- PossibleInternal leak or clutch fault in the circuit
- PossibleSolenoid mechanically sluggish or screen clogged
- PossibleFluid level or quality wrong
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift solenoidTransmission valve bodyTransmission wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0751 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. |
| 51 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0751 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 P0751
What does P0751 mean?
P0751 means "Shift Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off". A shift solenoid is an electrically switched valve in the valve body; together the solenoid states select the gear, and the module checks the result by gear ratio, slip or a pressure switch – the pattern of wrong gears shows which solenoid hangs off or on. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0751?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0751 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0751 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0751 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 P0751 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0751 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.