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Error code P0733 popped up today - updates

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JimKIII

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Well, my rig just threw its first error code today along with 'Service Transmission' on the dash. As seen by my signature, I've got the Hemi 6.4L with the 8-speed 8HP75-LCV transmission.

Searching the forums for P0733 "Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio" only returns a handful of mentions in the Aisin failure tracking thread.

And, searching the Internet finds these possible reasons why P0733 might be thrown:
  • Low transmission fluid level - there's only 26,000 miles on this truck so if this is low there's definitely a problem. There's no sign of fluid under the truck implying a leak.
  • Dirty transmission fluid - can't check it, no dip stick
  • Shift solenoids
  • Transmission mechanical problems
  • Transmission hydraulic control circuit
The transmission temp has never exceeded normal range and I've never received any other warnings concerning the transmission or engine.

I've got an appointment at the local Ram/Chrysler dealership this Monday to check this out. If anything is amiss, serious, broken, or breaking, I'm sure warranty will cover it....here's hoping....

Anyone have experience with this code?

[edited with timeline]

11/27 - truck at dealership to troubleshoot P0733 code
12/19 - 3 weeks before tech could get to it. Determined that valve body needs replacement. Request sent to RAM for warranty approval.
12/21 - RAM requires tech to drop the pan and take pictures.
12/22 - Tech found metal in the pan. Full transmission replacement needed. Request sent to RAM for warranty approval.
12/26 - Dealership got approval from RAM to replace transmission under warranty. Transmission ordered.
12/29 - No ETA of transmission. (One month so far.)
1/4 - Transmission has been allocated and moving via ground freight - 1 to 2 weeks ETA
1/4 - Transmission cooler allocated - ETA at least a week
1/8 - Dealer confirms parts on order. (see image)
1/10 - Dealer has received all parts. Truck being scheduled for transmission/cooler/lines R&R.
1/18 - Dealer says they are receiving transmission coolers that have been damaged in transit, thus causing a delay. Possibly my truck will be finished the 22nd or the 23rd of this month.
1/24 - Old transmission is out. Tech said, "As long as there are no surprised, you'll have your truck tomorrow."
1/25 - Transmission R&R completed. I drove the truck home ~25 miles and temp reached 168deg and stayed there. Fingers crossed that all is well with the new transmission and cooler. The folks and Rairdon Chrysler/Dodge/Ram in Kirkland, WA were great to work with. Most of the two-month delay was not of their making. They kept me in the loop about the status the entire time.
 

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Last edited:
@Riccochet - definitely. The dealer's transmission techs are back-logged so it's going to be some days before they can dig into the issue. I called another local dealer and their techs are booked for the next couple of months. I'll post back when I get some news.
 
My truck has been sitting at the dealer for three weeks now. There are two transmission techs on staff and are working full time on transmissions. Two weeks ago I was told there were four trucks ahead of mine waiting for transmission diagnosis and/or repair, so if would be another two weeks before mine would be looked at. Yesterday, I was told my truck was still sitting with other trucks in front waiting for service.

I figure if there were four trucks in front of mine two weeks ago, with two transmission techs working full time, then each tech was working on two transmissions each over the past two weeks. If worse case and these techs had to completely rebuild or replace with new their two transmissions, would/could it take two weeks to do that?

I don't have access to shop manuals, but I'm curious:
1. How long does it take to remove and replace a transmission?
2. How long does it take to rebuild a transmissions?

Adding in the troubleshooting time and all that, am I being impatient?

The other local dealer says they're a month out before they can look at my truck, so I don't have the option of switching.
 
Today I got a message from the dealership saying, "looks like we have a faulty value body...working on approvals from RAM."

Those of you with transmission knowledge - what is a valve body and how could a faulty one cause a P0733 code to be thrown?

Just curious.
 
JimKIII said:
Today I got a message from the dealership saying, "looks like we have a faulty value body...working on approvals from RAM."

Those of you with transmission knowledge - what is a valve body and how could a faulty one cause a P0733 code to be thrown?

Just curious.
Click to expand...
Valve body is exactly what you'd think it is. A body containing electronic valves. Those valves direct transmission fluid throughout the transmission to enable it to shift.

Problems with the valve body can cause shifting failure, hard shifts, slipping shifts.

Good thing is it's a really easy part of the transmission to replace.
 
The dealer just called today to let me know that the transmission tech found metal shavings in the pan and fluid when he dropped the pan. So instead of replacing the value body, they are going to replace the entire transmission.

Earlier, when the dealership said they would replace the vale body, they said it would be a refurbished one, not a new one.

Should I demand that the replacement transmission be a new one and not a refurbished one?

This truck only has 26K miles on it and the warranty for the replacement transmission better be the same as a new one and start back at zero. Everyone I have talked to about this is really surprised that this 8HP75-LCV transmission failed. It's supposed to be a long-proven solid design.
 
It happens. A dud gets through from time to time. But, for the most part, the ZF's are pretty bulletproof transmissions. I'm guessing they'll extend the warranty on the replacement transmission. Or maybe not. That's a question for your service advisor.

At least it happened under warranty.
 
In general, when dealers replace failed transmissions under warranty do they order a new transmission or a re-manufactured one?

When it was at first going to be a valve body replacement, they were going to order a re-manufactured one.
 
The dealership is not only replacing the transmission, but the cooler as well. Since they found metal filings in the fluid, will they also replace all the fluid lines?
 
Most likely they will flush your lines with solvents and air. Todays coolers are more difficult to flush by there design.
Hope they get you fixed up right. The ZF transmission is an excellent unit you got a dirty casting possibly.
I like to do fluid on that unit at 50,000 miles.
 
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