P0745: Gearbox pressure control solenoid fault
The solenoid that sets fluid pressure in the automatic gearbox has a fault, so shifts may be harsh or soft. Check the fluid and wiring first.
| Code | P0745 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0745 means
The pressure control solenoid sets the fluid pressure the automatic gearbox uses to clamp its internal clutches. It decides whether gear changes are smooth yet firm. The control unit has found a fault with the pressure control solenoid or its circuit, without saying whether it is electrical or mechanical.
Most common causes
- Low or badly worn gearbox fluid
- Connector for the pressure control solenoid loose, corroded or with fluid inside
- Damaged wiring between the control unit and the gearbox
- The pressure control solenoid failed or jammed with dirt
- Dirty or worn valve body
- Transmission control unit (uncommon)
Symptoms
- Engine or gearbox warning light on
- Harsh shifts or, the opposite, soft and slipping ones
- Clunk when selecting D or R
- Gearbox goes into limp mode
Can you drive with P0745?
With care You can drive gently to a garage, though the gearbox may drop into limp mode and lose gears. If it slips, the more you use it the more it wears.
How to check it
First check the gearbox fluid level and colour if there is a dipstick, and look at the gearbox connector for looseness or fluid inside. Note which gear and what temperature the fault appears at so you can tell the garage.
How to read and clear P0745 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0745 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. With Free you read it for nothing with its short description, because Free reads every control unit; with Pro you also get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged and clearing.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0741 Torque converter clutch poor performance or not engaging
- P0742 Torque converter clutch stuck engaged
- P0743 Torque converter clutch circuit electrical fault
- P0744 Torque converter clutch circuit intermittent fault
- P0746 Pressure control solenoid poor performance or stuck off
- P0747 Pressure control solenoid stuck on
- P0748 Pressure control solenoid electrical fault
- P0750 Shift solenoid A fault
- P0700 Transmission control system: fault detected
- P0701 Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
P0745 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Volkswagen, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P0745 mean?
The pressure control solenoid sets the fluid pressure the automatic gearbox uses to clamp its internal clutches. It decides whether gear changes are smooth yet firm. The control unit has found a fault with the pressure control solenoid or its circuit, without saying whether it is electrical or mechanical.
Can you drive with P0745?
You can drive gently to a garage, though the gearbox may drop into limp mode and lose gears. If it slips, the more you use it the more it wears.
How do you clear P0745?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0745 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com