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P2733 code meaning

Pressure Control Solenoid F Stuck On

Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light

What P2733 means

P2733 is the reverse case of P2732: valve F keeps pressure on its clutch after the TCM has commanded it off, so the off-going element still carries torque during the shift. GM checks this on its nine-speed units by watching C6 slip while shifting. If slip stays below 50 rpm for 0.8 s during power downshifts or 0.15 s on any other shift, one failure is counted; three of them give a Type A fault in one trip (18OBDG04, 20OBDG03A). GM shares the logic with P2731, which covers the same check in first gear. Bulletin 21-NA-169 for low-mileage 9T45/50/60 units lists P2731 to P2733 together and, with clean fluid, renews the solenoid assembly together with the valve body. Drivers notice tie-up, flare or harsh shifts.

P2733 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyWorkshop only
  • Typical labor2 to 14 hours
  • Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle

Symptoms of P2733

  • Tie-up or bind-up feel during shifts
  • Harsh shifts or engine flare
  • MIL on and fail-safe gear

Common causes of P2733

  • Most likelySolenoid F held open mechanically (solenoid body)
  • PossibleDebris holding the regulator valve in the apply position
  • Less likelyRestricted clutch exhaust passage

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Pressure control solenoid fValve body

What each part of P2733 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
2Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make.
7Area: transmission.
33The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P2733 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 P2733

What does P2733 mean?

P2733 means "Pressure Control Solenoid F Stuck On". P2733 is the reverse case of P2732: valve F keeps pressure on its clutch after the TCM has commanded it off, so the off-going element still carries torque during the shift. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P2733?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2733 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P2733 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P2733 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 P2733 to fix?

Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 2 to 14 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P2733 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.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 4 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P2733