P073B
Stuck in Gear 6
Transmission controls
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P073B means the transmission is stuck in sixth gear and can't shift out of it. It usually traces to a stuck shift solenoid, a valve body fault, or low/contaminated fluid, with the transmission often dropping into a limited or limp mode. Because gear range and acceleration are limited, it's best to drive minimally and get it diagnosed.
High
Can I keep driving? Drive as little as possible — the transmission is stuck in a single gear or limp mode, so acceleration and control are limited. Head to a shop rather than driving far.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Transmission stuck in 6th and won't shift out
- Poor acceleration and high effort from a stop
- Limited gear range or limp mode
- Check-engine light on, often with a transmission warning
Common causes
Most likely first
- Stuck or faulty shift solenoidLikely
- Low or contaminated transmission fluidCommon
- Valve body fault or stuck valveCommon
- Internal mechanical or clutch faultLess often
- Faulty TCM (less common)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition first.
- Read freeze-frame data and view commanded vs actual gear on a scan tool.
- Test and inspect the shift solenoids for the stuck gear.
- Inspect the valve body for a stuck valve or debris.
- If solenoids and fluid are good, an internal inspection is needed. Clear and retest.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P073B?+
Only briefly. Being stuck in one gear limits acceleration and control, and forcing it can cause further damage. Drive gently to a shop rather than a long distance.
Can I just clear P073B?+
It returns as soon as the transmission fails to shift again. The stuck solenoid, valve body, or internal fault has to be repaired for the code to stay cleared.
Related codes
Often seen with P073B
Read & clear P073B yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX