P0764 code meaning
Shift Solenoid C Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0764 means
A shift solenoid is an electrically switched valve in the valve body. Manufacturers use these codes differently: Ford reports an open circuit with the base code and shorts separately, and the letter is not tied to a valve number (Saab's Aisin 9-5: C = valve S4, D = valve S5). P0764 is an intermittent circuit or function fault of solenoid C. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code: Ford watches the circuit continuously under its open and short codes (P0760, P0979, P0980), and GM's 2006 Allison tables count dropouts under P0763 or as an intermittent case of the pressure switch check. Brief dropouts make the module switch the solenoid off and enter limp mode until the next start.
P0764 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0764
- Limp mode or jolt at times, then normal again
- Warning lamp comes and goes
Common causes of P0764
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the transmission connector
- PossibleChafed harness, dependent on temperature or vibration
- Less likelyCoil with heat-dependent winding fault
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 P0764 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. |
| 64 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0764 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 P0764
What does P0764 mean?
P0764 means "Shift Solenoid C Intermittent". A shift solenoid is an electrically switched valve in the valve body. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0764?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0764 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0764 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0764 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 P0764 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0764 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.