P2738 - OBD Trouble Code

<<See All OBD Codes

It can be stressful to know your car's transmission is having some issue, the P2738 code is defined as a Pressure Control Solenoid "F" Control Circuit Low. This code is set when the Transmission Control Module (TCM) of your vehicle notices that the Pressure Control Solenoid isn’t working as needed.

The transmission Control Module helps the vehicle to shift into different gears so that you can have a smooth ride in your vehicle. The TCM employs the Pressure Control Solenoid to be able to control the hydraulic pressure within the transmission. This is needed so that the various clutch packs can be applied which then enable the various gear ratios to be applied so that the vehicle can efficiently propel on road. The PC solenoid is basically an electronic pressure regulator, and controls the transmission line pressure as per the current flow through its coil windings. When the current flow increases, the magnetic field produced moves the solenoids plunger further away from the exhaust port, which ultimately decreases the output fluid pressure. This then results in a decrease in line pressure, the line pressure solenoid valve is responsible for regulating oil pump discharge pressure. This is done to suit the drivers need and respond to the signals from the TCM. Any issues noticed result in the P2738.

What causes this problem with the Pressure Control Solenoid "F" Control Circuit Low?

• Defect in the Transmission Pump
• Defects present in the Transmission Valve Body
• Restrictions in the hydraulic passages
• Defects of the Pressure Control Solenoid
• Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid
• Transmission filter is dirty or clogged
• Corrosion or damages of the connectors
• Faults in the wiring, possible damages also present
• Malfunction of the PCM

1. Pressure Control Solenoid - Is responsible for controlling the fluid pressure to the internal friction plate clutches or drum bands. If the PC solenoid is not working properly it can cause slipping, this causes the transmission to overheat. Fix this problem and get rid of the P2738 code by repairing or replacing the PC solenoid. PartsAvatar stocks over 3 million replacement parts, you are bound to find the PC solenoid for your vehicle online with us.
2. Electronic Pressure Regulator - Makes use of the push valve and a vent valve to be able to maintain the desired outlet pressure. A faulty regulator can cause the P2738 code to set. Resolve it via repairs or replacement. You can search for the one for your vehicle using the easy and simple searching options on PartsAvatar.
3. Transmission Control Module - Helps change the gears so that the vehicle can function on road. A TCM fault can very much cause error code P2738 to set. In order to fix this issue, you will have to either repair or replace the TCM. Find the perfect fitment TCM for your vehicle today on PartsAvatar. Order online from the comfort of your home and have it reach your doorstep in just days!
4. Oil Pump - Circulates the engine oil under pressure to the rotating bearings, the sliding pistons and the camshaft of the engine. This process helps lubricate the bearings and thereby allows use of higher-capacity fluid bearings and also assists in cooling the engine. A fault pump can be the reason why you have the P2738 code set. Fix this problem via repairs and see if the code persists, if it does; then you will have to opt for replacement. You can choose from a wide range of brands and prices to get the one suiting your budget and quality. PartsAvatar ships to the remotest corners of Canada. Now you can skip cross border shipping and delays in delivery!
5. Pressure Control Solenoid Valve - Is responsible for controlling the fluid pressure to the internal friction plate clutches or drum bands of your vehicle. A bad or failing transmission pressure control solenoid can cause multiple issues like slipping, which causes the transmission to heat up. You will also note the P2738 code to set due to a faulty PC solenoid valve. Try to fix the problem by repairs or replacement as needed.
6. Transmission Pump - Is the pump that helps in circulating the fluid. A faulty pump can harm the whole TCM. Try to fix the problem via repairs or replace it.
7. Powertrain Control Module - Is the brain of your vehicle, it manages all the other modules so that your car functions smoothly. A problematic PCM can result in random codes to be set, so try to fix it first. If that doesn’t help you will have to replace it. Replacing the PCM requires reprogramming. Ensure you take help from a professional diagnostician for this. Find what you’re looking for on PartsAvatar and avail free shipping on orders over CAD $99.
8. Transmission Valve Body - A crucial part of the TCM, the Transmission valve body works in a network system. It directs pressurized transmission fluid to a network of valves which put together correct clutch packs for smooth gear functioning. You will have to resolve the issue with the transmission valve body to get rid of the P2738 code. You can find one on PartsAvatar, order online and track your shipment till it reaches your doorstep.

We at Parts Avatar Canada care for our customers, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P2738 code by listing out some major symptoms. They are mentioned below as follows:

Common Symptoms

• A slip of Transmission when shifting becomes common
• It is hard to shift transmission
• Misfire-like symptoms are present
• The Check Engine Light gets activated
• You may find the Transmission overheating
• Increase in the consumption of fuel as compared to before
• PCM puts the vehicle into limp mode

After you know the symptoms of your vehicle’s problem, it becomes easy to detect it and get started with solving it. So, next on our list is few common steps to correct this issue with your vehicle’s.

• Flush the transmission to clean passages
• Clean the corrosion from connectors and check wiring and circuitry for damages
• PCM needs Flashing or replacing
• Change the fluid and filter
• Replace faulty Pressure Control Solenoid or repair it if possible
• The faulty transmission pump will need to be repaired or replaced
• The Transmission valve body needs repairs or replacement

If you need any parts to fix this problem you can easily find them with us. Not only that we also have in stock the best in range auto parts and that too at the most budget friendly prices ever online. Whether you need a Pressure Control, pressure regulator, TCM, Oil pump, PC solenoid valve, Transmission Pump, PCM, Transmission Valve Body, TSB, you can simply rely on us for quality auto parts.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

The first step is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s). For this you will have to match your vehicle’s year of manufacture, model and transmission. The reason why the TSB should be referred is mainly to save you time, and effort. It serves as a great tool during diagnosis. Second step is to perform a Fluid check. Measure the level of fluid and also observe the condition of the fluid for any dirt or contamination. Don’t be hasty in changing the fluid, check the vehicle records to see when the fluid and filter change was done last. Depending on what you have found, you can proceed to changing the fluid or simply skip this step if the fluid level and purity is good.

Third step included a thorough inspection of the wiring. Do a visual examination and see if there are any damages present. Continue inspection of the connectors and see if the pins are corroded, bent or damaged. Check the wires and connectors going to the transmission pressure solenoids, transmission pump as well as the PCM. Depending on the type of vehicle the transmission pump may be driven electrically or mechanically. Fix all the issues you have found by conducting repairs or replacements as required. Fourth Step is Continuity Checks. These will be done to figure out the problem if it wasn’t with the fuel, filter or electrical components. Continuity check is an advanced step, and hence will need certain tools like a digital multimeter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. Get hold of them and also all the troubleshooting information for your particular vehicle from the TSBs.

Final Step of diagnosis is a voltage check. To confirm the voltage and fluid pressure requirements you will need to refer the TSBs. In terms of continuity checks, they will usually be 0 ohms of resistance, but for safety refer your vehicles information source. When performing the continuity checks you have to ensure that power is removed from the circuit. This is important to avoid shorting the circuit and causing more damage to the vehicle. If you find that there is no continuity or resistance then that’s an indication that there is faulty wiring present which may be open or shorted and needs to be repaired/replaced.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P2738 Code

• Misfire of the engine
• Problematic Transmission pump
• Issue with the Internal transmission
• Problems with the driveline