AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0731 Chevrolet

P0731 Chevrolet Code - Transmission 1st Gear Ratio Incorrect

Quick Answer

The transmission turbine speed sensor and vehicle speed sensor are hall-effect sensors. Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Shift solenoid mechanical fault, Faulty Turbine Sensor. 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
P0731 Chevrolet indicates Transmission 1st Gear Ratio Incorrect.
Common causes
Common causes include Low transmission fluid level, Shift solenoid mechanical fault, Faulty Turbine Sensor.
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 1,044
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 29, 2022
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Code P0731 Chevrolet Description

The transmission turbine speed sensor and vehicle speed sensor are hall-effect sensors. The turbine speed sensor is mounted to the transmission housing and faces the reluctor attached to the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing. The vehicle speed sensor is mounted to the low and reverse clutch housing on 2WD, or transfer case rear case half on 4WD. The vehicle speed sensor faces a reluctor wheel attached to the transmission output shaft on 2WD, or a reluctor wheel attached to the transfer case rear output shaft on 4WD.
The TCM provides a 9 V reference circuit and a signal circuit to each of the sensors. As the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing and transmission output shaft or transfer case output rotates, the sensors produce a signal frequency based on the teeth on the reluctor wheel. The TCM calculates the transmission gear ratio based on the speed sensor signals and compares the calculated gear ratio to the commanded gear ratio.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the TCM detects the calculated gear ratio with 1st gear commanded differs from the known 1st gear ratio for 2 s.
OBDII Code P0731 Chevrolet - Transmission 1st Gear Ratio Incorrect - AutoCodes.com
P0731 Chevrolet Code - Transmission 1st Gear Ratio Incorrect

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0731 Chevrolet?

  • Low transmission fluid level
  • Shift solenoid mechanical fault
  • Faulty Turbine Sensor
  • Faulty Output Speed Sensor

How to Fix the DTC P0731 Chevrolet?

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 P0731 Chevrolet 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.

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Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

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 P0731 Chevrolet Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0731 mean on a Chevrolet?

P0731 indicates that the transmission control module (TCM) has detected an incorrect gear ratio in 1st gear, meaning the actual gear ratio doesn't match the expected ratio.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0731 code in a Chevrolet?

Symptoms may include difficulty shifting into or staying in 1st gear, slipping or hesitation during acceleration, poor fuel efficiency, and the check engine light turning on.

3. What causes the P0731 code in a Chevrolet?

Common causes include low or contaminated transmission fluid, a faulty shift solenoid, a malfunctioning speed sensor, internal transmission damage, or wiring/electrical issues in the transmission system.

4. Can driving with a P0731 code damage my Chevrolet?

Yes, driving with this code can lead to further transmission damage, reduced performance, and potential safety issues. It's best to address the problem promptly.

5. How do I diagnose the P0731 code in my Chevrolet?

Diagnosis typically involves checking transmission fluid levels and condition, inspecting wiring and connectors, testing shift solenoids and speed sensors, and possibly performing a transmission pressure test.

6. How can I fix the P0731 code in my Chevrolet?

Repairs may include replacing or refilling transmission fluid, fixing wiring or connector issues, replacing faulty shift solenoids or speed sensors, or addressing internal transmission problems.

7. What transmission components should I inspect for a P0731 code?

Key components to inspect include the shift solenoids, transmission fluid, input and output speed sensors, and the transmission control module (TCM).

8. Can low transmission fluid cause the P0731 code in a Chevrolet?

Yes, low or contaminated transmission fluid can cause improper gear ratios and trigger the P0731 code.

9. Is a faulty speed sensor a common cause of the P0731 code in a Chevrolet?

Yes, a malfunctioning input or output speed sensor can prevent the TCM from accurately detecting gear ratios, leading to this code.

10. Is the P0731 code expensive to repair on a Chevrolet?

Repair costs vary depending on the cause. Simple fixes like adding transmission fluid are inexpensive, while internal transmission repairs can be costly.

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