P073E means reverse is commanded but not reached. Two uses are documented. With electronic gear selection (shift-by-wire) GM compares the commanded range with the actual range reported by the transmission and flags it if reverse is not reached within 1.8–3 s in the selector or diesel engine module, or 10 s in petrol engine modules, after two trips; GM bulletins name a range actuator centred wrongly (LaCrosse, XT5) and software after an over-the-air update (2025 Equinox/Terrain). On dual-clutch transmissions (2020–23 Corvette, Maserati MC20) it means the reverse gear cannot be engaged. Stuck in reverse is P072B, slip in reverse P0736.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
Symptoms
- No reverse, or R not accepted
- Transmission warning, check engine light after two trips (GM)
- Display shows R but the vehicle does not reverse
Most likely causes
- Range actuator or park module centred wrongly or faulty (shift-by-wire)
- Module software (e.g. after an over-the-air update)
- Range sensor reports the wrong actual range
- Reverse clutch or brake, valve or shift fork (DCT)
- Fluid level or system pressure
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: hard
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P073E means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 3E: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P073E?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P073E?
The most common causes are: range actuator or park module centred wrongly or faulty (shift-by-wire); module software (e.g. after an over-the-air update); range sensor reports the wrong actual range.
Related codes
- P073DUnable to Engage Neutral
- P072BStuck in Reverse
- P0736Reverse Incorrect Ratio
- P0705Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit (PRNDL Input)
- P07E4Unable to Engage Park
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG03B Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10161935 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 11024774 0001
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.