P0733 on 2020-2023 Dodge Charger: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2023 Dodge CHARGER

The 2020-2023 Dodge Charger uses a ZF-designed 8-speed automatic transmission (often branded as TorqueFlite 8 or a variant like the 850RE/8HP70). While generally reliable and used across many brands, this transmission family has a well-documented weakness related to the 'D' clutch assembly. Stellantis (Dodge's parent company) has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that directly link P0733 to this specific internal clutch failure, making it the most likely cause by a wide margin, far more so than typical causes like solenoids or sensors on other vehicles. 🎬 Watch: Understanding the P0733 gear ratio code and its causes. The TSBs apply to a wide range of Stellantis vehicles using this transmission.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Transmission slipping, especially during or in 3rd gear
• Harsh or jerky shifting
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode', often getting stuck in one gear
• Delayed or poor acceleration
• Vehicle may not move in reverse
• Vehicle may not shift higher than third gear
• Engine RPMs flare during the 2-3 shift

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal 'D' Clutch Failure 🔴 High Probability This is a widely documented failure on the 8HP-family transmissions used in these vehicles. Manufacturer TSBs #21-009-25, #9100390, and others specifically identify this as the root cause for P0733. The failure is often in the seals or friction materials of the clutch pack, which wears out prematurely. The 'D' clutch is used in gears 4-8 and reverse, but the slip is often most noticeable during the 2-3 shift sequence.
   How to confirm: Diagnosis is confirmed by ruling out simpler causes (fluid), checking for the presence of related codes (P1DA8, P1D92), and referencing the applicable TSBs. A technician will likely need to drop the transmission pan to check for excessive clutch material. The TSB repair procedure is the primary diagnostic path when these codes are present.
   Typical fix: Replace the 'D' clutch assembly using the manufacturer-specified repair kit. TSB #9100390 Rev 1 explicitly states that a complete transmission replacement is NOT required for this specific issue. The repair involves removing the transmission and using special fixtures to disassemble the input clutch assembly to access and replace the D-clutch.
   Est. part cost: $250-$450
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability These transmissions are 'filled for life' and lack a traditional dipstick, which can lead to fluid level and condition being overlooked. However, given the known clutch issue, this is less likely to be the root cause unless there is a visible leak. Often, changing the fluid is attempted but does not solve the problem if the clutch is already damaged.
   How to confirm: A technician must raise the vehicle while level and check the fluid level via the fill plug on the side of the transmission at a specific temperature range (typically 30°C to 50°C). The fluid condition (color, smell, presence of debris) should be inspected. The ZF 8-speed fluid has a natural illuminance under a black light, which can help in leak detection.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill with the correct Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF or an equivalent approved fluid. Replace the pan/filter assembly. This rarely fixes the issue if the P0733 code is already set due to mechanical wear.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
3. Faulty Valve Body / Mechatronics Unit ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Advanced diagnostics with a scan tool are needed to monitor solenoid commands and hydraulic pressures. This is typically diagnosed after confirming the fluid is good and before committing to an internal teardown. However, for this specific code on this platform, the TSBs point away from the valve body as the primary cause.
   Typical fix: Replace the valve body (mechatronics unit) inside the transmission oil pan. This is an expensive part and an incorrect repair if the D-clutch is the actual point of failure.
   Est. part cost: $800-$1500

Rare But Worth Checking

• TCM Software Issue: In some cases, particularly on earlier models of this transmission family, software updates were released to prevent the premature setting of incorrect ratio codes. It's worth checking if any TCM software updates are available for the vehicle's VIN, as TSB 21-001-23 addresses software logic being too sensitive.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the TCM for all stored diagnostic trouble codes. Note if P1DA8 or P1D92 are present with P0733, as this strongly indicates the known D-clutch issue.
2. Check for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the vehicle's VIN. The provided TSBs (#S2621000003, #21-009-25, #9100390, #21-039-24) are highly relevant.
3. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This must be done at a specific temperature (30°C-50°C) with the vehicle level and engine running. Low or burnt fluid indicates a problem, though it may be a symptom of the clutch failure rather than the cause.
4. Inspect the transmission pan for excessive metal shavings or clutch material, which would confirm a significant internal mechanical failure.
5. If fluid is correct and TSBs apply, the next step is to proceed with the 'D' clutch replacement as outlined in the service bulletins.
6. If TSBs do not apply and fluid is correct, a technician may perform advanced electronic tests on solenoids and sensors, but this is unlikely for this specific code and platform.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• D Clutch Repair Kit (OEM #68676892AB) — This is the specific kit identified in TSBs to fix the root cause of P0733 on this platform for AWD models (Charger, Challenger, 300). Other PNs exist for RWD and other platforms.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $250-$450
• Transmission Pan and Filter Assembly (OEM #68225344AA) — The pan must be removed for the repair and is typically replaced along with the integrated filter. Using a new pan/filter assembly is standard procedure for this level of repair.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ZF
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$200
• Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF (OEM #68218925AB) — The transmission must be refilled with the correct OEM-specified fluid after the repair. Using incorrect fluid can cause severe damage. Approximately 10 quarts may be needed.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $25-$40 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1DA8-00 — Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A B or D Defective. This code is specifically mentioned alongside P0733 in TSBs #21-009-25 and #21-039-24, pointing to the same internal clutch issue.
• P1D92-00 — Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective. This is another related code mentioned in the same TSBs, further confirming a fault within the transmission's clutch system related to the D-clutch.
• P0700 — This is a generic code indicating that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault. It acts as a 'check engine light' for the transmission and will always be present with specific codes like P0733.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• S2621000003 REV.A: Lists P0733 as a potential code for various 8HP transmissions.
• 21-009-25 REV. C: Defines P0733-00 as 'Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio' and links it to a required D-clutch repair for vehicles with over 7,000 miles.
• 9100390 Rev 1: Specifies that a 'D Clutch Repair Kit' is available for P0733 and that transmission replacement is NOT required.
• 21-039-24 REV. H: Supersedes older TSBs, confirms the cause is the 'D Clutch', and lists symptoms like slipping, no reverse, and being stuck in gear.
• J21 FSAR-TSB-4958 / 21-039-24 REV. H: Supersedes older TSBs, confirms the cause is the 'D Clutch', and lists symptoms like slipping, no reverse, and being stuck in gear.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known defect with the 'D' clutch pack is the primary issue, as documented by Stellantis in multiple TSBs (e.g., #21-009-25 Rev. C, #9100390 Rev 1).
• The issue typically appears on vehicles with more than 7,000 miles (11,265 km), as noted in TSB #21-009-25 REV. C, suggesting it is a wear-related failure.
• The problem is not isolated to the Charger; it affects a wide range of Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram vehicles that use the same 8HP family of transmissions.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Clutch Adaptation Fill Pressures (via advanced scan tool) — expected: Values should be relatively low and balanced. For example, Clutch A: -102 mbar, Clutch B: -84 mbar, Clutch D: 96 mbar.. Failure: A significantly high positive pressure value for a specific clutch (e.g., Clutch C: 350 mbar) indicates that the TCM is commanding maximum pressure to compensate for a leak or slipping, pointing to wear in that clutch pack.
• Transmission Fluid Temperature for Diagnostics — expected: Between 30°C and 50°C (86°F and 122°F) for checking fluid level. Adaptation learning procedures require temperatures between 55°C (131°F) and 100°C (212°F).. Failure: Checking level or performing adaptations outside the specified temperature ranges will lead to incorrect results.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0733-00: The '-00' is a Symptom Byte, a standard part of the CAN-BUS diagnostic protocol. For this code, '-00' is a generic suffix that doesn't add specific information beyond the main code's definition of 'Incorrect Ratio'. Its presence simply confirms the fault type as defined by the SAE standard. (see via Most professional scan tools, including the dealer-level wiTECH tool, will display the code with its symptom byte.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or equivalent advanced scanner): RESET ADAPTIVE VALUES / QUICK LEARN — This is a mandatory procedure after replacing the D-clutch pack or any other major transmission component. The 'Quick Learn' routine forces the TCM to relearn the clutch fill times and pressures for the new hardware. Skipping this step will result in poor shift quality and can lead to premature failure of the new parts.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• 5thGenRams Forum (2019 Ram 1500 (Uses same 8-speed transmission family)) — Sudden harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts described as 'REV and CLUNK', followed by Check Engine Light. Transmission refused to shift out of 3rd gear. Restarting the truck temporarily resolved the issue, but the P0733 code was stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the code. The issue returned.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user took the vehicle to the dealer under warranty. While the final post is not from the original user, another user with the identical symptoms on an early build 2019 model confirmed their dealer performed a TSB software flash which seemed to reduce, but not eliminate, the harsh shifting, indicating the dealer was aware of the issue. The symptoms strongly align with the known D-clutch failure addressed by TSBs.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68676892AA → 68676892AB — Part revision or update by the manufacturer. This is common for kits that address known failure points.
  Heads up: The new part number (68676892AB) is the correct and current part to use for the repair.
• 68528495AA (RWD Kit) → Unknown, may be current — Different part number for Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) models vs. the AWD kit (68676892AB).
  Heads up: It is critical to order the correct kit based on the vehicle's drivetrain. The RWD and AWD kits are not interchangeable. The AWD kit is 68676892AB; the RWD kit is reportedly 68528495AA.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020-2023: The primary variation affecting this repair is the drivetrain. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) models use different versions of the 8-speed transmission and require different part numbers for the D-Clutch repair kit. The AWD kit is PN 68676892AB. The RWD kit is a different part number (reportedly 68528495AA). Using the wrong kit will result in an incorrect repair.