P2736: Pressure Control Solenoid F Ctrl Circ/Open OBD-II Trouble Code

Every time the computer decides time to change gears, it has to set the appropriate amount of hydraulic pressure in order to move right clutch pack or transmission band. This is done by activating a pressure control solenoid, which then directs pressurized transmission fluid down the appropriate channel inside the valve body. If the ECU notices that the circuit on which it operates is remaining in the open position, a P2736 DTC with a be set.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

How Serious is the Code?

When it comes to OBDII trouble codes, the P2736 diagnostic trouble code is actually fairly serious. It has to do with the computers ability to maintain hydraulic pressure inside the transmission, which it obviously cannot operate without. Some of the transmission problems that you will see as a result include unusually harsh gear changes (where the transmission sort of slams into gear), slipping, and engine stalling if the torque converter clutch cannot disengage when you’re coming to a stop.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P2736 include:

  • Delayed or unusually hard shifts
  • Erratic transmission behavior
  • Transmission slipping
  • Engine stalls when coming to a stop
  • Transmission gets stuck in a gear
  • Vehicle won’t move when in gear
  • Lower MPG
  • Transmission overheats
  • Limp mode

Causes

  • Dirty transmission fluid / filter
  • Not enough transmission fluid
  • Damaged wiring/connector
  • Malfunctioning pressure control solenoid
  • Defective transmission pump
  • Blocked pressure passage
  • Valve body issue
  • TCM or ECU failure

How to Diagnose the Code?

One of the things that can cause a P2736 DTC is actually the level and condition transmission fluid. For example, if you don’t have enough transmission fluid, the pressure control solenoid will not be able to set the correct amount of pressure needed for a gear change. If the transmission fluid is dirty, the sludge and metal debris can prevent the plunger mechanism inside the solenoid from operating correctly. So the first thing a mechanic should do when when trying to figure out why a vehicle has a P2736 diagnostic trouble code, is obviously check the transmission fluid (even if the transmission does not have a dipstick, there are ways of doing this).

If they’ve found no issues with the transmission fluid, then the wiring and connectors on the transmission wiring harness need to be carefully inspected for signs of damaged/shorted wires, and connectors with excess corrosion or damaged/corroded pins. If no problems are found, then the pressure control solenoid will have to be tested directly. The transmission pump, valve body and ECU could also be to blame.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Repairs Will Fix P2736?

  • Change the transmission fluid and filter
  • Replace the pressure control solenoid
  • Repair or replace the transmission pump
  • Repair or replace the transmission valve body
  • Transmission flush to clean passages
  • Cleaning corrosion from connectors
  • Repairing or replacing wiring
  • Flashing or replacing PCM

Related Codes

  • P2731 – Pressure Control Solenoid F
  • P2732 – Pressure Control Solenoid F Perf or Stuck Off
  • P2733 – Pressure Control Solenoid F Stuck On
  • P2734 – Pressure Control Solenoid F Electrical
  • P2735 – Pressure Control Solenoid F Intermittent