P0749
Pressure Control Solenoid A Intermittent.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 7
- AreaTransmission
- 49
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0749 means the transmission control module has detected an intermittent fault in the electrical circuit of pressure control solenoid A, which regulates automatic transmission line pressure. The fault comes and goes, so the module saw a brief open circuit, short, or erratic signal rather than a constant failure. Which solenoid is 'A' and how it is wired depends on the make, model and transmission.
Symptoms
- Harsh or delayed gear shifts that come and go
- Gearbox briefly slipping or flaring between gears
- Transmission stuck in a single gear (limp mode) at times
- Gearbox warning light or malfunction indicator lamp on
- Poor fuel economy or reduced performance
- Symptoms that vary with temperature or road vibration
Possible causes
- Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring between the transmission control module and the solenoidlikely
- Poor connection at the transmission harness connector or internal gearbox connector (bent, loose or corroded pins)likely
- Pressure control solenoid A failing internally with an intermittent open or short circuitlikely
- Contaminated, degraded or low transmission fluid affecting the solenoid and valve bodypossible
- Low or unstable system voltage from a weak battery or poor earth connectionpossible
- Fault within the transmission control module or its driver circuitrare
- Internal harness fault inside the transmission (model dependent)rare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and freeze frame data to see when the fault occurred (gear, temperature, speed, voltage)
- Check transmission fluid level and condition, following the manufacturer's procedure for your model as some gearboxes are sealed
- Test battery condition and charging voltage, and check main earth connections
- Inspect the transmission wiring and connectors for chafing, heat damage, fluid ingress, corrosion and bent or pushed-back pins
- Wiggle-test the harness and connector with the engine running while monitoring solenoid current or commanded versus actual pressure on live data
- Measure solenoid resistance and compare with the manufacturer's specification for your transmission
- Check wiring continuity and insulation to earth and to supply between the module and the solenoid
- Check for relevant technical service bulletins or software updates for your model before condemning the control module
How to fix
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and renew faulty connectors or terminals
- Clean and secure the connector, ensuring pins make good contact and seals are intact
- Replace pressure control solenoid A if resistance or operation is out of specification
- Correct fluid level, or change the fluid and filter if contaminated, using the specified fluid
- Restore battery health and repair poor earth or charging faults
- Repair or replace the control module, or apply an updated calibration, only where a fault or outdated software is confirmed
Can I keep driving?
The car can usually be driven for a short time, but harsh shifts, slipping or limp mode can cause accelerated gearbox wear, so have it checked soon. Avoid heavy loads, towing and hard acceleration, and stop driving if slipping becomes severe.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.
