P0771: Shift solenoid E: performance problem or stuck off
The automatic gearbox cannot get shift solenoid E to work as expected. Low or dirty transmission fluid and a faulty solenoid are the usual causes.
| Code | P0771 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0771 means
The transmission control unit uses several solenoids to route pressurised fluid to each clutch and change gear. This code means solenoid E is not having the expected effect, as if it stayed shut. Which gears solenoid E controls is decided by each manufacturer.
Most common causes
- Low transmission fluid level or old, dirty fluid
- Blocked transmission filter
- Loose or corroded solenoid connector
- Solenoid E itself sticking with debris or failed
- Internal gearbox wear (valve body or clutches)
Symptoms
- Engine or gearbox warning light on
- Harsh shifts or a gear that will not engage
- Gearbox stuck in one gear (limp mode)
- Higher fuel use from running in the wrong gear
Can you drive with P0771?
With care You can drive gently, but the gearbox may drop into limp mode and carrying on like this speeds up wear. Get it checked soon.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
With the car level and at the temperature the manufacturer specifies, check the fluid level and colour: dark fluid or a burnt smell is a bad sign. The garage will want to know when the fluid was last changed.
How to read and clear P0771 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 P0771 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. If the car reports it over standard OBD, you read it for nothing with FREE; to read it straight from the gearbox control unit, with its description and clearing, you need PRO.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P076D Gearbox shift solenoid H has an electrical fault
- P076E The gearbox solenoid H fails now and then
- P076F The gearbox is not getting the correct ratio in seventh gear
- P0770 Shift solenoid E fault
- P0772 The gearbox solenoid E has got stuck
- P0773 Gearbox shift solenoid E has an electrical fault
- P0774 The gearbox solenoid E fails now and then
- P0775 The pressure control solenoid B is not working properly
- 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
What does code P0771 mean?
The transmission control unit uses several solenoids to route pressurised fluid to each clutch and change gear. This code means solenoid E is not having the expected effect, as if it stayed shut. Which gears solenoid E controls is decided by each manufacturer.
Can you drive with P0771?
You can drive gently, but the gearbox may drop into limp mode and carrying on like this speeds up wear. Get it checked soon.
How do you clear P0771?
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, P0771 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
