Transmission code
P0746: Pressure control solenoid A stuck off
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $60 | $400 |
| Labor: 2 to 5 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $250 | $875 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $15 | $40 |
| Total, rounded | $320 | $1,325 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, transmission solenoid replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
Pressure control solenoid A sets how hard the transmission clutches squeeze, using fluid pressure. The computer commanded it and found it stuck off, so the pressure is not what it should be. The result is shifts that are harsh or slip, and delay when you put the car in gear.
- Safe to drive?
- No, get it looked at first
- Most common cause
- Failed pressure solenoid
Avoid driving. Harsh or slipping shifts can cause more damage.
What you may notice
- Harsh shifts
- Slipping
- Delayed engagement
- Check-engine light
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed pressure solenoid
- Dirty or worn fluid
- Valve body wear
- Wiring fault
Check this first
Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Dirty or burnt fluid can stick a solenoid, and low fluid makes pressure unstable. Tell the shop if shifts are harsh when cold and smoother when warm.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0746
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Transmission fluid service | $150 to $520 |
| Transmission rebuild or replacement | $3,100 to $6,800 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0746 questions
Is the solenoid replaceable alone?
Often yes. Many solenoids sit in or on the valve body, and they can be replaced without a full rebuild, though the pan must come off and the labor is the larger part of the price.
Fluid change?
May help if the fluid was dirty, but it will not free a solenoid that has failed electrically or stuck from varnish. A fluid service is a fair first step, not a guaranteed cure.
Rebuild?
Rare if caught early. Driving with a slipping solenoid for a long time can burn the clutches, so getting it checked soon lowers the odds of needing a rebuild.
How much does it cost to fix P0746?
The most common fix, transmission solenoid replacement, has a typical range of $320 to $1,325 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
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Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.