AutoCodes – Subaru – P0733 Subaru

P0733 Subaru Code - Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

Quick Answer

This diagnosis monitors actual gear position by checking the torque converter slip ratio calculated by Transmission Control Module (TCM) as follows: Torque converter slip ratio = A x C/B A: Output shaft revolution signal from revolution sensor B: Engine speed signal from Engine Control Module (ECM) C: Gear ratio determined as gear position which TCM supposes If the actual gear position is higher than the position (3rd) supposed by TCM, the slip ratio will be more than normal. Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Shift solenoids. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0733 Subaru indicates Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio.
Common causes
Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Shift solenoids.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 17,960
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0733 Subaru Description

This diagnosis monitors actual gear position by checking the torque converter slip ratio calculated by Transmission Control Module (TCM) as follows:
Torque converter slip ratio = A x C/B
A: Output shaft revolution signal from revolution sensor
B: Engine speed signal from Engine Control Module (ECM)
C: Gear ratio determined as gear position which TCM supposes
If the actual gear position is higher than the position (3rd) supposed by TCM, the slip ratio will be more than normal. In case the ratio exceeds the specified value, TCM judges this diagnosis malfunction.
OBDII Code P0733 Subaru - Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio - AutoCodes.com
P0733 Subaru Code - Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0733 Subaru?

  • Low transmission fluid level
  • Dirty transmission fluid
  • Shift solenoids
  • Transmission mechanical problems
  • Transmission hydraulic control circuit

How to Fix the DTC P0733 Subaru?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0733 Subaru code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0733 Subaru code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0733 Subaru code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0733 Subaru code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0733 Subaru Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru related to Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio?

- Common symptoms include harsh shifting, slipping transmission, delayed engagement, and illuminated Check Engine Light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- Potential causes may include low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission solenoid, damaged gear components, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0733 in my Subaru?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the code, checking transmission fluid levels and condition, and performing a thorough inspection of the transmission system.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code as it can lead to further damage to the transmission and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

5. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- Repair tips may include checking and topping up transmission fluid, inspecting and replacing damaged gear components, testing and replacing faulty solenoids, or reprogramming the transmission control module.

6. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- While some basic diagnostics and fluid checks can be done by DIY enthusiasts, resolving the root cause of this code often requires professional expertise and specialized tools.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- Repair costs can vary widely depending on the exact cause of the issue, but they can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to over a thousand dollars for more complex repairs.

8. Will resetting the Check Engine Light clear OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily turn it off, but the underlying issue causing the code will likely trigger the light to come back on until the problem is fixed.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the occurrence of OBDII code P0733 in a Subaru?

- Extreme temperatures can sometimes exacerbate transmission issues, potentially leading to the triggering of code P0733 in a Subaru.

10. How often should I have my Subaru's transmission system inspected to prevent OBDII code P0733 from occurring?

- It's recommended to have your Subaru's transmission system inspected regularly as part of routine maintenance to catch any potential issues early and prevent the occurrence of code P0733.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0733 Subaru OBDII Code

  • Drops out of gear between second and third. Feels like flat tire on excelleration. Need to stop car or slow down to near stop before transmission catches again.
    Check engine light comes on cruise light flashes and "AT OIL TEMP" Flashes. Started yesterday?

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play