P0770 code meaning
Shift Solenoid E
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0770 means
What shift solenoid E does depends on the transmission. On Ford's 6R80 and 6F35/6F55 it is an on/off valve that moves a multiplex valve, so solenoid D feeds either the low/reverse brake or the 4-5-6 clutch; on the 6R140 and 5R110W it is a proportional clutch valve with separate short codes (P0985/P0986). On Saab's Aisin 5-speed E is valve S1. P0770 is the general code for solenoid E; Ford uses it for an open circuit, detected when the smart driver feedback disagrees with the command for 0.5–5 s, and on the 6R80/6F it covers all circuit faults of the solenoid. On Ram's 6.7 L with Aisin AS69RC a 2023 bulletin traces P0770 to a leaking capacitor in the engine module, together with other circuit codes. Limp mode follows; on the 6R80/6F engine braking in first or the 4th–6th gears may be missing.
P0770 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0770
- Transmission warning or check engine light
- Limp mode in a fixed gear
- Harsh shifts
Common causes of P0770
- Most likelyOpen or corroded wire or transmission connector
- PossibleSolenoid coil faulty
- PossibleTransmission module or electronic module faulty
- Less likelySolenoid supply missing
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift solenoidMultiplex valveTransmission valve bodyTransmission control module
What each part of P0770 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. |
| 70 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0770 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 P0770
What does P0770 mean?
P0770 means "Shift Solenoid E". What shift solenoid E does depends on the transmission. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0770?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0770 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0770 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0770 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 P0770 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0770 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.