What shift solenoid E does depends on the transmission. On Ford's 6R80 and 6F35/6F55 it is an on/off valve that moves a multiplex valve, so solenoid D feeds either the low/reverse brake or the 4-5-6 clutch; on the 6R140 and 5R110W it is a proportional clutch valve with separate short codes (P0985/P0986). On Saab's Aisin 5-speed E is valve S1. P0771 is Ford's functional check by gear ratio over 10 events (2012) or 3 (2020–23, 2023 diesel). On the 6R80/6F it means the multiplex valve stays in its rest position, so solenoid D acts on the wrong clutch; valve and spool cannot be told apart. On the 6R140 the 4-5-6 clutch does not apply. Ford counts the whole clutch system in, and its 10R80 and 8F35 bulletins list P0771 with mechanical repairs. Slipping or missing gears and limp mode follow.
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
- Slipping or flare on shifts
- Missing gear (e.g. 4th–6th)
- Limp mode
- Check engine light
Most likely causes
- Valve body or multiplex valve sticking (debris, dirt)
- Clutch, piston seal or clutch cylinder leaking or worn
- Fluid level low or fluid contaminated
- Solenoid E mechanically stuck
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 P0771 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 71: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0771?
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 P0771?
The most common causes are: valve body or multiplex valve sticking (debris, dirt); clutch, piston seal or clutch cylinder leaking or worn; fluid level low or fluid contaminated.
Related codes
- P0770Shift Solenoid E
- P0772Shift Solenoid E Stuck On
- P0766Shift Solenoid D Performance/Stuck Off
- P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
- P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
- P0985Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low
Sources
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 11006772 0001
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10226926 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.