P0774 code meaning
Shift Solenoid E Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0774 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. P0774 is an intermittent electrical fault in the circuit of solenoid E. No manufacturer document available to us uses it: Ford's solenoid E table has no intermittent code, and GM's Allison tables catch intermittent cases through the pressure switch check. A loose contact or chafed wire is the likely cause.
P0774 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0774
- Limp mode or harsh shifts at times
- Warning lamp comes and goes
Common causes of P0774
- Most likelyLoose contact or corroded connector
- PossibleChafed harness
- 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 solenoidMultiplex valveTransmission valve bodyTransmission control module
What each part of P0774 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. |
| 74 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0774 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 P0774
What does P0774 mean?
P0774 means "Shift Solenoid E Intermittent". 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 P0774?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0774 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0774 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0774 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 P0774 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0774 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.