AutoCodesGeneric – P0761

P0761 Code - Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off

Quick Answer

Shift solenoid valve 'C' is turned ON or OFF by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in response to signals sent from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch, vehicle speed and Engine Control Module (ECM) (throttle opening). Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Faulty shift solenoid 'C' valve. 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
P0761 indicates Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off.
Common causes
Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Dirty transmission fluid, Faulty shift solenoid 'C' valve.
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 51,157
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 02, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0761 Description

Shift solenoid valve 'C' is turned ON or OFF by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in response to signals sent from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch, vehicle speed and Engine Control Module (ECM) (throttle opening). Gears will then be shifted to the optimum position.
OBDII Code P0761 - Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off - AutoCodes.com
P0761 Code - Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0761?

  • Low transmission fluid level
  • Dirty transmission fluid
  • Faulty shift solenoid 'C' valve
  • Shift solenoid 'C' valve harness or connectors
  • Shift solenoid 'C' valve circuit is open or shorted

How to Fix the DTC P0761?

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 P0761 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 P0761 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0761 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0761 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

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 P0761 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0761 (Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off)?

- Common symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed shifting, failure to shift gears, and the transmission staying in one gear.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0761?

- The code can be triggered by issues such as a faulty shift solenoid 'C', low transmission fluid levels, a damaged wiring harness, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.

3. How can I diagnose the Shift Solenoid 'C' performance issue related to code P0761?

- Diagnosing P0761 involves using a scan tool to read the code, checking the transmission fluid level and condition, and inspecting the wiring and connectors associated with the shift solenoid 'C'.

4. Can a dirty transmission fluid cause OBDII code P0761 to appear?

- Yes, contaminated or low transmission fluid can affect the performance of the shift solenoid 'C', leading to the triggering of code P0761.

5. What repair options are available for fixing OBDII code P0761?

- Repairs for P0761 may involve replacing the shift solenoid 'C', repairing or replacing damaged wiring, ensuring the transmission fluid is at the correct level, and resetting the trouble code.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P0761 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with code P0761 active, as it can lead to further damage to the transmission and potentially result in more costly repairs.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0761 at home?

- Some aspects of diagnosing and repairing P0761 can be done by DIY enthusiasts, such as checking the transmission fluid level. However, replacing the shift solenoid 'C' or dealing with electrical issues may require professional help.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0761?

- The cost of repairing P0761 can vary depending on the cause of the issue, the extent of the repairs needed, and whether professional labor is required. Costs can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

9. Are there any preventive maintenance tips to avoid OBDII code P0761 in the future?

- Regularly checking and changing the transmission fluid as recommended by the manufacturer can help prevent issues with the shift solenoid 'C' and reduce the likelihood of OBDII code P0761 appearing.

10. Can a faulty transmission control module (TCM) trigger OBDII code P0761?

- Yes, a malfunctioning TCM can disrupt the signals sent to the shift solenoid 'C', leading to performance issues and the triggering of code P0761.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0761 OBDII Code

  • hi I had a new transmission and new computer put in a 2007 ford Taurus the check trans light keeps coming on I have taken the car back 6 times they don't know what causing it they scan it its showing shift solenoid c

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