P2738 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid F Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P2738 means
P2738 reports a control line on solenoid F that reads too low, which in practice means a short to ground. In GM's 2025 table 25OBDG03A an impedance below 0.5 Ohm between the signal and controller ground, lasting 0.3 s inside a 0.5 s sampling period, is a Type A fault in one trip; the valve there controls a clutch on the nine- or ten-speed, line pressure on the eight-speed or the CVT binary pump. The eight-speed table of 2016 uses the same timing. The Corvette dual-clutch TCM tests the clutch cooling valve with its driver switched on and sets P2738 when the measured pin voltage remains below roughly 1.7 V for 150 ms. Ford's TR9070 labels the same condition shorted switch on the odd clutch cooling valve. A grounded line can energise the valve permanently.
P2738 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2738
- MIL on and fail-safe gear
- Harsh engagements or clutch drag
Common causes of P2738
- Most likelyControl wire chafed through to ground
- PossibleShorted turns in solenoid F
- PossibleFluid or metal debris bridging connector pins
- Less likelyFaulty TCM output stage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Pressure control solenoid fWiring harness
What each part of P2738 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 38 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2738 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 P2738
What does P2738 mean?
P2738 means "Pressure Control Solenoid F Control Circuit Low". P2738 reports a control line on solenoid F that reads too low, which in practice means a short to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2738?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2738 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2738 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2738 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 P2738 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2738 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.