P0733: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Drive gently to a shop.
Symptoms
- Slipping in third
- Engine speed flaring on the 2-3 shift
- Delayed engagement
Likely causes, most common first
- Fluid low, old or contaminated
- Third gear clutch pack worn
- Solenoid stuck
- Internal seal leaking
Read P0733 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0733 reports an incorrect ratio in third gear. On many four and five speed automatics third is a direct or near-direct drive ratio used constantly around town, so wear accumulates there faster than in the ratios above it.
A scan tool that shows commanded gear alongside actual ratio is worth more than any amount of guesswork here. Watching the two diverge on a road test tells you whether the transmission is slipping under load, shifting to the wrong gear, or simply reporting a bad speed signal.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0733
“I recently experienced significant transmission issues, specifically hard engage in reverse (cold), and failure to shift higher than 3rd gear. The rear axle is leaking and the front axle is shaking. My jeep has the P0733 code for the D-clutch failure confirmed at a Jeep dealership, along with the steering damper Campaign XF1 and the Dana M220 axle (TSB 03-001-23) and should be included in these TSB's/CSN's/Campaigns! It is currently sitting at the Jeep Dealership in Covington, La unable to be driven needing $9790 worth of repairs from all of these and I've barely had it a year! I am so disappointed in Jeep”2021 Jeep Gladiator · May 2026
“Engine light came on, vehicle went into limp mode. Transmission would not shift any higher than 3rd gear and kept slipping while on interstate! Was almost hit by several 18 wheelers! Jeep dealership said our vin is not part of the service bulletin but they did get the P0733 code! Make it make sense! I guess we're supposed to get run over by 18 wheelers before they'll fix it!”2021 Jeep Gladiator · May 2026
“Transmission started whining from the pump and then immediately lost power/acceleration. Electronic diagnosis found code P0733 for incorrect gear ratio for 3rd gear. Dealership recommends torque converter replacement and transmission overhaul. Fine metal debris found in transmission fluid sample. Estimate $5,500 and occurred at 110,000 miles on odometer.”2016 Ford Fusion · Dec 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“2021 Ford Ranger with 10R80 transmission showing following codes P0733 P0734 90,000 miles on truck. jerky and slipping gear change between 3-4 and 5-6 occasionally no drive. have service records showing my truck was maintained properly.”2021 Ford Ranger · Jul 2025
“While traveling Vehicle intermittent hard shifts, or no shifts, goes into neutral unexcitingly, sometimes no reverse. SES light on. 77,278 miles Dealer advised stored code - TCM P0733-00 Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio. Dealer also advised vehicle needs Transmission replaced, Repair estimate $5970.28 Previous issues include ABS system repair and engine coil pack issue.”2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Jan 2025
“Transmission, available upon request for inspection. Clunk's into reverse, or doesn't engage at all. Code p1da8, p0733. Has been confirmed by dealer. Will throw check engine light occasionally. Also shifts hard between gears 3 and 4.”2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Nov 2024
“The passenger side airbag cover are inflated , crack , bubble, look like the airbag may exploted.. I call vw and they say is it normal and not sale the part. 2009 mini van. .?? I really not think they change or overheating.. Getting words .. And yesterday from not wear the routan not drive over 35 mph when my wife driving on the highway and check engine came , 4 code ,p0733,p0734, p0792. And almost a truck hit my wife.. I look on vw forums and it is common problem,, why this it not a recall with so many people complaining and problems.. Unsafe to drive.”2009 Volkswagen Routan · Jul 2020 · 80,000 mi
“When I drive at times truck cuts off but starts right back up and I proceed like nothing never happen.... And another problem I'm having I will drive normal and it seems like it goes in another gear . So I took it to autozone it's a code p0733.”2012 Dodge Durango · Aug 2019 · 118,000 mi
“When decelerating from over 45 mph engine light comes on shifts suddenly to 3rd or 2nd gear. Codes p0733 p0734 p0792. Clear engine codes, drives normal until deceleration at elevated speeds. Transmission shifts normally otherwise. This is the 62te 6-speed transmission.”2011 Chrysler Town And Country · Jun 2019 · 83,000 mi
“Check transmission light on. Seeing higher rpm but not shifting hard. Fluids checked - ok. Transmission codes p0723 and p0733 these are codes for slipping issues. They rebuilt the transmission. Mileage was only 68769 on car.”2005 Mercury Sable · Jun 2017 · 68,769 mi
Cars that report P0733 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0733?
Drive gently to a shop.
How much does it cost to fix P0733?
Typical US repair costs range from $200 for the simplest fix (fluid and filter service) to $5,000 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0733. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.