Transmission

P0733 — Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0733 means

The transmission control unit compares input shaft speed with output shaft speed and knows what ratio each gear should produce. When the calculated ratio in third gear falls outside tolerance, it sets P0733. This points to internal slip in the clutches or a hydraulic system that is not building the right pressure.

Symptoms

  • Engine revs rise but 3rd gear accelerates weakly
  • Slipping or flaring when shifting into or out of 3rd
  • Harsh or jerky shifts
  • Check Engine light on
  • Transmission warning message
  • Transmission goes into limp mode

Possible causes

  1. Low transmission fluid level
  2. Old or burnt fluid that has lost its properties
  3. Worn clutch material in the 3rd gear clutch pack
  4. Sticking or failing shift solenoids
  5. Worn valve body
  6. Damaged wiring or connector at the transmission
  7. Faulty transmission range (TR) sensor or switch
  8. Internal mechanical transmission failure

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data and look for other transmission codes
  2. Check fluid level and condition per the manufacturer's procedure: color, smell, debris
  3. Inspect the transmission harness and connectors for corrosion, chafing and fluid
  4. Check input and output speed sensor data and the TR sensor reading
  5. Test solenoids for resistance and response using a scan tool
  6. Measure line pressure
  7. Drop the pan and look for clutch dust and metal debris
  8. If needed, inspect the valve body and clutch packs during teardown

Common fixes

  • Correct the fluid level or replace fluid and filter
  • Replace faulty solenoids
  • Repair wiring or the connector
  • Replace the range sensor or switch
  • Repair or replace the valve body
  • Rebuild the transmission with new clutches

P0733 on different brands

Ford · manuals
On Ford, P0733:00 is documented for 2024-2025 gasoline engines as incorrect gear 3 ratio; it names the condition the monitor detected, not a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

What does code P0733 mean?

The transmission control unit found that the ratio in 3rd gear does not match what it should be. It usually indicates clutch slip or a fluid pressure problem.

Can I drive with P0733?

Only a short distance with a light foot, to get to a shop. Extended driving while slipping can burn the clutches and greatly raise repair costs.

Will changing the fluid fix P0733?

If low or degraded fluid is the cause, it can. If the clutches are already worn, new fluid will not solve it.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.