A shift solenoid is an electrically switched valve in the valve body. Manufacturers use these codes differently: Ford reports an open circuit with the base code and shorts separately, and the letter is not tied to a valve number (Saab's Aisin 9-5: C = valve S4, D = valve S5). P0765 is the general code for solenoid D and, at Ford, means an open circuit (0.5–5 s); shorts are P0982/P0983. On Ford's 6R80 and 6F transmissions solenoid D feeds either the low/reverse brake or the 4-5-6 clutch via a multiplex valve, on the 6R140 only the low/reverse brake; on the 2023 diesel its supply is shared with solenoid B and the converter clutch (P2669). A Ram 6.7 L bulletin traces P0765 to a leaking capacitor in the engine module.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning lamp
- Limp mode in a fixed gear (Ford: fifth with maximum pressure)
- No reverse or engine braking in first, or missing 4th–6th gears (Ford)
Most likely causes
- Open or corroded wire, connector or internal harness
- Solenoid coil open or shorted
- Solenoid supply (high-side switch) missing
- Module driver faulty
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0765 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 65: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0765?
Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.
What causes code P0765?
The most common causes are: open or corroded wire, connector or internal harness; solenoid coil open or shorted; solenoid supply (high-side switch) missing.
Related codes
- P0982Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Low
- P0983Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High
- P0766Shift Solenoid D Performance/Stuck Off
- P0768Shift Solenoid D Electrical
- P0760Shift Solenoid C
- P2669Actuator Supply Voltage B Circuit/Open
Sources
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10241065 9999
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
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.