AutoCodes – Saturn – P0734 Saturn

P0734 Saturn Code - Gear 4 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 (4th) 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: P0734 Saturn indicates Gear 4 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.

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Code Popularity 12,999

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0734 Saturn 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 (4th) 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 P0734 Saturn - Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio - AutoCodes.com — P0734 Saturn Code - Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0734 Saturn?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0734 Saturn?

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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Start by inspecting the transmission fluid level and condition, and change fluid if necessary.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0734 Saturn 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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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.