P0735 code — how to fix error fast

If you’ve received the error code P0735 by using a diagnostic scanner tool, it’s not something you’d want to overlook. This code is one of the most serious problems with your car’s transmission, so it’s only natural to repair it on time to not allow it to tamper with your car’s vital system.

Before you do that, you’ll need some more info on the P0735 code meaning, what it does, and how you can cope with it until you finally repair the issue. So, we wanted to give you an all-in-one guide on all these things to give you a better perspective on the code’s causes, consequences, and ways of fixing it.

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What does the P0735 code mean?

The P0735 code is a generic powertrain trouble code that indicates an issue with the vehicle’s automatic transmission. Specifically, it means that the transmission is unable to shift into 5th gear. When this code is triggered, the vehicle may experience a lack of power, poor fuel economy, or other performance issues. If left unaddressed, the transmission may eventually fail completely.

Moreover, you should avoid highway driving in this case, especially if you own an older car that only has five or six gears. The most serious implication of this code is surely the one related to your driving safety, so it’s best to jump straight to the possible causes to give you an idea of what may fix it.

What causes the P0735 code?

Symptoms that may be present with the code include slipping or delayed shifts, harsh or rough shifts, and the transmission staying in a lower gear for longer than necessary. These all depend on the underlying cause of the issue, so the only way of properly fixing the code is if you can figure out what exactly is causing it. To help you with this task, our team decided to list a few of the most likely culprits behind the code:

Faulty shift solenoid

The shift solenoid is responsible for controlling the flow of transmission fluid in the valve body. If it fails, the transmission may not be able to shift into the correct gear, resulting in the P0735 code.

Low transmission fluid level

If the transmission fluid level is low, it can cause the transmission to slip or fail to engage properly. This can trigger the P0735 code.

Failing TCM

The TCM is responsible for controlling the transmission’s shifting points and patterns. If it fails, the transmission may not operate correctly, resulting in the P0735 code.

Problems with the wiring

Faulty wiring or loose connections between various components in the transmission system can cause communication errors between the TCM and other sensors. This can result in malfunctioning of the transmission and lead to the P0735 code.

Which car models does the P0735 code affect the most?

While the P0735 code can occur in any vehicle with an automatic transmission, there are some models that are more prone to this issue. These mostly include the models that are more susceptible to the P0735 code due to design or manufacturing issues with the transmission or related components. We decided to do some more digging, and these are the vehicles that came up as most vulnerable to the code:

• Chevy Impala: The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has had its fair share of transmission issues over the years, with the P0735 code being one of them.
• Honda Accord: The Honda Accord is a popular mid-size sedan that has been known to experience transmission issues, including the P0735 code.
• Nissan Altima: The Nissan Altima is another mid-size sedan that has a history of transmission problems, with the P0735 code being one of the most common.
• Ford Focus: The Ford Focus is a compact car with an automatic transmission that has been known to experience shifting problems, including the P0735 code.

How to diagnose the P0735 code

We already mentioned how numerous potential issues with different components of the transmission system may affect the code P0735 trigger. So, we’ll now go over the most probable ways of diagnosing the code depending on the underlying issue:

Using an OBD2 scanner tool

A transmission scan tool is used to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes in the vehicle’s transmission control module (TCM). The tool is connected to the vehicle’s OBD-II port and is used to retrieve any stored codes, including P0735, and provide information on the specific issue.

Checking the transmission fluid level and condition

Low fluid levels or dirty/metallic fluid can cause shifting problems in an automatic transmission, including P0735. Checking the fluid level and condition is an important step in diagnosing this code.

Testing the shift solenoid

The shift solenoid is responsible for controlling the flow of transmission fluid in the valve body. Testing it with an ohmmeter can reveal if it’s functioning properly or not.

How to fix the P0735 code

Fixing the P0735 code involves identifying the underlying cause of the issue and repairing or replacing any damaged components. Here are the main ways of fixing the P0735 code once you’ve pinpointed the reason behind it:

Replacing the shift solenoid

If the shift solenoid is faulty, it may need to be replaced. This will require removing the transmission pan and valve body to access the solenoid.

Repairing the wiring and connections

Faulty wiring or loose connections between various components in the transmission system can cause communication errors between the TCM and other sensors. Repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors can resolve the issue.

Add or change transmission fluid

Low fluid levels or dirty/metallic fluid can cause shifting problems in an automatic transmission, including P0735. Adding or changing transmission fluid can resolve the issue in some cases.

How to prevent the P0735 code

While it’s not always possible to prevent the P0735 code from occurring, there are some preventative measures you can take to minimize the risk. These include:

• Regularly checking and maintaining your transmission fluid levels
• Having your transmission serviced at regular intervals
• Avoiding aggressive driving and heavy loads that can put extra strain on your transmission

By taking these steps, you can help prevent transmission issues from occurring and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

Our take

In the end, it turns out that the code P0735 may not necessarily have to do with serious transmission-related issues. You can also fix the issue easily and the solution may not be nearly as expensive as funding a complete transmission rebuild.

To be able to achieve this and remove the code easily, you’ll need a trained eye to help you out on the path, so our experts are happy to help and put their skills and knowledge at your disposal through this guide.