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.
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 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
- P0762 Shift solenoid C stuck on
- P0763 Shift solenoid C electrical fault
- P0765 Shift solenoid D fault
- P0770 Shift solenoid E fault
- P0776 Pressure control solenoid B: performance problem or stuck off
- P0777 Pressure control solenoid B stuck on
- P0780 Automatic gearbox shift malfunction
- P0781 Automatic gearbox 1-2 shift malfunction
- 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
P0771 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Cupra, Hyundai, Mini, Seat. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
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 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