Low, degraded or contaminated transmission fluid; Shift solenoid C sticking due to debris or varnish; Blocked or dirty transmission filter or fluid passages in the valve body; Wiring or connector fault between the solenoid and the control module (chafing, corrosion, poor pin contact); Worn valve body, leaking seals or internal hydraulic pressure loss; Faulty transmission control module or outdated software calibration.

P0761

Shift Solenoid C Performance/Stuck Off.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
7: AreaTransmission
61: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0761 means the transmission control module has detected that shift solenoid C is not performing as commanded and appears to be stuck in the off position. The module saw a gear ratio or hydraulic pressure response that did not match what it expected when it commanded the solenoid on. Which gears the solenoid controls depends on the vehicle and transmission.

Symptoms

Harsh, delayed or flared gear changes
Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode)
Gearbox warning light or malfunction indicator lamp on
Poor acceleration or engine revving without matching speed
Higher fuel consumption
Missing a gear or no engagement of certain gears

Possible causes

Low, degraded or contaminated transmission fluidlikely
Shift solenoid C sticking due to debris or varnishlikely
Blocked or dirty transmission filter or fluid passages in the valve bodypossible
Wiring or connector fault between the solenoid and the control module (chafing, corrosion, poor pin contact)possible
Worn valve body, leaking seals or internal hydraulic pressure losspossible
Faulty transmission control module or outdated software calibrationrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting gear, speed, fluid temperature and load when the fault set, and check for any related codes
Check transmission fluid level and condition (colour, smell, debris) using the manufacturer's procedure for that model, as some gearboxes are sealed and need a specific temperature check
Inspect the transmission wiring harness and connector for damage, fluid ingress, corrosion and pin tension
Check for technical service bulletins or software updates for the specific vehicle and transmission
Use live data to command the solenoid and compare the commanded state, gear ratio and slip against expected values
Measure the solenoid resistance and compare with the manufacturer's specification, and check supply and control circuits for faults
Check line pressure and hydraulic operation if the electrical side tests good
Inspect the pan, magnet and filter for metal debris or clutch material, which suggests internal wear

How to fix

Correct the fluid level and replace degraded fluid and filter to the manufacturer's specification
Replace the shift solenoid C or the solenoid pack if it is stuck or out of specification
Clean or overhaul the valve body, or replace it if worn or damaged
Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors or terminals in the solenoid circuit
Update the control module software if an outdated calibration is a known cause for that model
Carry out internal transmission repair if there is pressure loss or clutch wear

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven carefully for a short time, but get it checked soon because the gearbox may go into limp mode and continued use with slipping or wrong gear ratios can cause further internal damage. Avoid heavy loads and towing until it is diagnosed.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.