P0733 Gear 3 incorrect ratio
What P0733 means
The transmission control unit has found that the speed ratio in third gear does not match what it should be. The clutch for third gear is likely slipping.
P0733 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- High
- Typical repair cost
- 500–4000 €
- Workshop time
- 4–16 h
- Repair difficulty
- Hard
- DIY possible
- No
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Revs flaring on the 2-3 shift
- Harsh or delayed shift into 3rd
- Loss of acceleration
- Limp mode
Common causes
- Low or degraded transmission fluid
- Worn third-gear clutch pack
- Faulty shift solenoid or valve body
- Low line pressure
Can I keep driving with P0733?
Have it checked within a day or two and drive gently. Continued driving risks serious gearbox damage.
What to check first
- Check fluid level and condition
- Check for solenoid or pressure codes
- Change fluid and filter if needed and retest
- Have pressure tests and an internal inspection done
Related codes
- P0732 Gear 2 incorrect ratio
- P0734 Gear 4 incorrect ratio
- P0731 Gear 1 incorrect ratio
- P0735 Gear 5 incorrect ratio
- P0730 Incorrect gear ratio
- P0740 Torque converter clutch circuit/open
- P0741 Torque converter clutch circuit performance/stuck off
- P0743 Torque converter clutch circuit electrical
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
Updated: