P0751: Shift Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - expect a missing gear or an unusual shift pattern.
Symptoms
- Transmission skipping a gear
- Harsh shifts
- Stuck in one gear in some conditions
Likely causes, most common first
- Shift solenoid A stuck closed
- Debris blocking the solenoid
- Valve body wear
- Low fluid pressure
Read P0751 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
P0751 is a performance complaint about shift solenoid A: it responds electrically but the transmission does not change the way it should when commanded. Solenoids are simple valves, and stuck almost always means contaminated rather than broken.
On most transmissions the shift solenoids are accessible once the pan is off, and they are inexpensive parts. Replacing the set while the pan is down, rather than one at a time, avoids paying the same labour twice within a year - the others have done the same mileage in the same fluid.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0751
“The transmission hasn't been working correctly for the last 2 years. It was constantly shifting incorrectly, lagging, stuttering, and making driving difficult. It finally just stopped in the middle of traffic and would not move. It threw a diagnostic code of P0751, which we learned was related to a known issue with the vehicle, TSB 25-2550. The vehicle is now not drivable and had to be towed back home.”2021 Ford Transit Connect · May 2026
“Vehicle unresponsive after sitting idol at traffic light. When trying to accelerate, no power. Vehicle was still running, but unable to accelerate. Finally able to accelerate after RPMs up to nearly 3000 rpms, and slow to respond and accelerate. Engine warning code on dashboard soon after. Error code is P0751, shift solenoid A performance stuck or off. Similar issue when under warranty in 2022 with 22,000 miles.”2015 Lincoln MKC · Jan 2026
“Car started jerking and on the way home, the car lost all power to the transmission. The check engine light came on as well as the AT and traction lights. Absolutely no power to the transmission. codes P0780 and P0751.”2012 Mazda MAZDA3 · Jun 2024
Cars that report P0751 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0751?
Yes with care - expect a missing gear or an unusual shift pattern.
How much does it cost to fix P0751?
Typical US repair costs range from $200 for the simplest fix (fluid and filter service) to $1,800 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0751. 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.