Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
What it means
While third gear was commanded, the transmission computer found that the ratio between input and output speed does not match third gear. Drivers usually notice it on the 2-3 shift or when accelerating at medium speeds, and the cause is a slipping clutch that applies this gear or low pressure.
Related lights
Dashboard lights that may come on with this code.
Symptoms4
- Engine speed flare on the 2-3 shift.
- Slipping when accelerating at medium speeds.
- Transmission staying in second gear or jumping to another gear.
- Check engine light on, possibly with the transmission in limp mode.
Possible causes5
- Low or degraded transmission fluid.
- A faulty solenoid that controls the shift into third gear.
- A valve body fault or a leak in the third gear circuit.
- Worn clutch that applies third gear.
- Damaged internal seals or piston for this clutch.
How to diagnose5
- Check the fluid level and condition.
- Watch input and output speed during the 2-3 shift and while accelerating in third gear.
- Read solenoid and shift codes such as P0782, and test the solenoids with a scan tool.
- Note whether ratio codes for other gears are stored, because one clutch can be shared by more than one gear.
- Have a hydraulic pressure test done in third gear.
How to fix5
- Correct the fluid level, or change the fluid and filter.
- Replace the faulty solenoid.
- Repair or replace the valve body.
- Repair the clutch that applies third gear, along with its seals.
- Clear the codes and confirm a smooth shift into third with no slipping on a road test.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 250–12,000 (≈ USD 67–3,200)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
The cost is low when fluid or a solenoid is the cause, and much higher when the transmission must be opened to repair the internal clutch.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Why is a code for another gear stored too?
Because some clutches work in more than one gear, so a slipping shared clutch sets ratio codes for every gear that uses it, which helps the technician identify it.
Can it be fixed without opening the transmission?
Sometimes, if the cause is the fluid, a solenoid or the valve body. A worn clutch itself requires opening the transmission.
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