OBD-II trouble code
P0772: Shift Solenoid "E" Stuck On
Shift solenoid E is stuck in its applied state — the valve stays energized/open and keeps routing pressure when the transmission wants it off. That holds the gears tied to E applied when they shouldn't be, causing firm engagement, wrong-gear operation, or a shift that won't release. It's usually mechanical sticking from contaminated fluid, so check fluid before condemning the solenoid.
Quick facts
- System
- Powertrain
- Category
- Transmission / Shift Control
- Severity
- High severity
- Drivable
- Usually safe to drive short-term
- Repair cost range
- $150 – $1,000
- DIY difficulty
- Advanced DIY
What does P0772 mean?
P0772 is the 'stuck on' member of the shift solenoid E family, and it's the opposite condition from the stuck-off/performance code P0771. Here the valve stays in its applied position — energized or hydraulically held open — and continues routing pressure when the TCM has commanded it off. Because shift solenoids work in combination, an E-solenoid that won't release corrupts the gear selection: the element it controls stays applied when it should be off, which can hold the transmission in a gear, force a firm or slamming engagement, cause a tie-up or bind, or trigger limp mode to protect the unit.
The important diagnostic nuance is that 'stuck on' is frequently a mechanical fault rather than an electrical one. The coil can test perfectly to spec while the valve itself is held open by varnish, debris, or a scored bore in the valve body — contaminated or degraded fluid is the usual culprit. That's why a stuck-on code, more than an electrical code, rewards a fluid-first approach: a fluid and filter service can free a valve that's sticking on deposits, and it's cheap insurance before dropping the valve body or replacing the solenoid pack. A solenoid whose return spring or plunger has genuinely failed will need replacement, but that's a conclusion to reach after fluid and valve-body inspection, not before.
As with the other high-lettered solenoid codes, first confirm your transmission actually has a solenoid E — a fifth shift solenoid is uncommon — and identify which physical valve carries that label. For the driver, P0772 shows up as firm or wrong-gear shifting, a gear that won't release, or a limp-mode drop. The car usually still moves, but a clutch or band held applied when it shouldn't be generates heat and drag, so it's worth addressing promptly.
Common causes
- Shift solenoid E valve stuck open on varnish, debris, or wear
- Dirty, degraded, or overheated transmission fluid
- Failed solenoid return spring or plunger holding the valve applied
- Scored or worn valve-body bore letting the valve stick
- Clogged filter and contaminated fluid promoting stiction
- Electrical fault holding the solenoid energized (less common)
Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0772 stored
- Firm, harsh, or slamming engagement
- Transmission held in a gear or a shift that won't release
- Bind or tie-up feeling during certain shifts
- Drop into limp / failsafe mode
- Transmission running hot from a clutch held applied
Diagnostic steps
- 1.Confirm your transmission has a shift solenoid E and identify which physical valve it is in service data.
- 2.Check transmission fluid level and condition first — contaminated fluid is the leading cause of a stuck valve.
- 3.Scan live data and note which gear or element stays applied, consistent with the solenoid E combination.
- 4.Resistance-check shift solenoid E; a good coil reading points toward mechanical sticking rather than an electrical fault.
- 5.Service the fluid and filter — this alone can free a valve sticking on varnish.
- 6.If sticking persists after fresh fluid, inspect the valve body and replace the solenoid or valve body as needed.
Repair cost
$150 – $1,000
A fluid and filter service ($150-$350) is the first move because a stuck-on solenoid is often a sticking valve that fresh fluid can free. Shift solenoid replacement runs roughly $250-$700 depending on access, and valve-body repair or replacement is the higher end. Because this code is frequently mechanical, testing and cleaning before replacing parts avoids swapping a good solenoid.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with transmission shift solenoid replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
DIY vs shop
This is an advanced DIY job. It typically requires specialty tools, scan-tool access, lifting equipment, or careful sequencing to avoid causing new failures. Plan for extended downtime and have a backup vehicle. Most owners are better served by a shop that has done this repair before.