P0733 on 2022-2026 Dodge Durango: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2022-2026 Dodge DURANGO

The 2022-2026 Dodge Durango uses various ZF-designed 8-speed automatic transmissions, primarily the 850RE (V6 models) and 8HP70 (V8 models). For these specific models and their platform mates, the P0733 code is overwhelmingly linked to a well-documented mechanical failure of the 'D' clutch pack inside the transmission. Stellantis (Dodge's parent company) has acknowledged this widespread issue through numerous TSBs (like 21-009-25 and 21-039-24) that provide a specific repair kit. This makes consulting the TSBs a critical first step, as the official guidance is to repair the clutch pack, not replace the entire expensive transmission assembly.

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, flaring, or harsh/jerky shifting, especially between 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th gears.
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (often stuck in one gear, like 3rd).
• Delayed or poor acceleration.
• Inability to shift higher than third gear.
• Vehicle will not move in reverse.
• A noticeable 'thud' or 'clunk' when downshifting or coming to a stop.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal 'D' Clutch Failure 🔴 High Probability Multiple manufacturer TSBs (including #21-009-25 REV. C, and #21-039-24 REV. H) identify a fault with the 'D' clutch pack as the primary cause for this code on this platform and its siblings. This is a known pattern failure.
   How to confirm: A technician confirms this after ruling out fluid issues and consulting the relevant TSBs. The TSBs may direct the tech to perform a clutch air pressure test. Diagnosis is finalized by disassembling the transmission and inspecting the clutch pack.
   Typical fix: Replace the 'D' clutch assembly using the specific repair kit detailed in the TSBs. This avoids a full transmission replacement. The TSB explicitly states that transmission replacement is NOT required for this issue.
   Est. part cost: $300-$600 for the Mopar repair kit
2. Low or Burnt Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability Low fluid level is a universal cause for transmission slipping and incorrect ratio codes on any automatic transmission. It prevents proper hydraulic pressure from being applied to the clutch packs.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition according to the manufacturer's procedure. Note that these modern transmissions do not have a traditional dipstick and require a specific, temperature-dependent procedure to check the fluid level from a fill plug. The fluid should be clean 🎬 Watch: A complete guide to checking and filling Durango fluids. and not smell burnt.
   Typical fix: Top off the fluid to the correct level or perform a transmission fluid and filter change if the fluid is dirty or burnt. Use only the specified fluid, such as Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF or an equivalent.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400 for fluid and a new pan/filter assembly
3. Faulty Shift Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability While less common than the D-clutch failure for this specific code, solenoids can stick or fail electronically, causing shifting issues.
   How to confirm: A diagnostic scan tool can often command individual solenoids to test their function. A technician can also test the solenoid's electrical resistance, which should be approximately 5 ohms at 68°F (20°C). A vacuum test can also be performed on the solenoid; a good solenoid should hold over 20 in-Hg of vacuum.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty shift solenoid. This is typically done by removing the transmission oil pan and valve body.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150 per solenoid

Rare But Worth Checking

• Valve Body Issue: Debris from clutch material or other internal wear can clog the small passages in the valve body, leading to pressure regulation issues that can cause this code. This is less common than the 'D' clutch failure on this specific vehicle but can be a consequence of driving with a slipping clutch for too long.
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Wiring Issue: While possible, a software glitch or wiring fault is far less likely than the well-documented mechanical clutch issue. The TSBs caution that the TCM is sensitive to electrostatic discharge during service. This should be considered only after all mechanical causes are ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Perform a full diagnostic scan to check for P0733 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and reset the P0733 code. and any other related codes like P1DA8 or P1D92.
2. Search for and review all relevant Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for P0733 on your specific vehicle's year and drivetrain (AWD/RWD). For this Durango, TSBs #21-009-25 and #21-039-24 are critical. Note the mileage condition in the TSB (often applies to vehicles over 7,000 miles).
3. Carefully check the transmission fluid level and condition. This must be done at a specific fluid temperature (checked via scan tool) as there is no dipstick. The fluid should be at the correct level, red in color, and not smell burnt.
4. If fluid is correct and TSBs apply, the next step per the TSB may be a clutch air pressure test to confirm a hydraulic leak in the D-clutch circuit.
5. If the TSB conditions are met, the high probability of a 'D' clutch failure warrants proceeding with the repair.
6. The repair involves removing the transmission, disassembling it to access the clutch packs, and replacing the 'D' clutch assembly with the specified Mopar repair kit.
7. After reassembly and refilling with the correct fluid, clear all codes and perform the mandatory TCM Adaptation/Quick Learn procedure with a capable scan tool to ensure proper shifting.
8. Perform a thorough test drive to verify the repair is complete and the shifting is smooth.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• D Clutch Repair Kit (OEM #68676890AB (4x4) or 68676894AB (RWD)) — This is the specific fix identified by Dodge in multiple TSBs for the P0733 code on this platform. The part number varies based on drivetrain (4x4/AWD vs RWD).
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $300-$600
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #68218925AB) — The transmission will need to be refilled with approximately 10 quarts of the correct fluid (Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF) after the repair.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800, Pentosin ATF 8
  OEM price range: $25-$40 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30 per quart
• Transmission Pan with Integrated Filter — It is best practice to replace the transmission pan/filter assembly when performing any major transmission service to ensure no debris contaminates the new parts and fluid.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ZF
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$200

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1DA8-00 — Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A, B, or D Defective. This code is listed in the exact same TSBs (#21-009-25 REV. C, #21-039-24 REV. H) and points directly to the same internal clutch pack failure.
• P1D92-00 — Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective. This is another code listed alongside P0733 in the manufacturer TSBs, indicating a related internal transmission fault stemming from the D-clutch assembly.
• P0700 — This is a generic Transmission Control System Malfunction code. It simply indicates that the TCM has stored a fault code, which in this case would be P0733. It provides no specific information on its own.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 21-009-25 REV. C: Defines P0733-00 as 'Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio' and links it to the D-clutch defect, listing affected vehicles and repair procedures

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known pattern of failure in the 'D' clutch pack of the 8-speed automatic transmissions (850RE, 8HP series) is documented in manufacturer TSBs. Dodge has acknowledged this by creating a specific repair kit to address the issue, making it clear that a full transmission replacement should not be the first option. The TSBs list specific labor times for the repair, which for a Durango (WD) is approximately 7.9 hours.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Shift Solenoid Electrical Resistance — expected: 5.0 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: Infinite resistance (open circuit) or a value significantly different from the specification.
• Shift Solenoid Mechanical Seal (Vacuum Test) — expected: Holds over 20 in-Hg of vacuum. Failure: Any reading below 20 in-Hg indicates an internal leak in the solenoid.
• Clutch Volume Index (CVI) for 'D' Clutch — expected: A positive integer value that increments with successful shifts. The ideal 'Fast Filling Counter' is at least 2 for an 8HP70.. Failure: A CVI value of zero (0) indicates a large fluid leak in that clutch circuit, causing the TCM to give up on adaptation.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Dealer Scan Tool): View Clutch Volume Index (CVI) Data — To diagnose an internal hydraulic leak. The TCM records data for each clutch, including 'Filling Time' and 'Filling Counter'. A zero value for the 'D' clutch CVI points towards the known failure.
• wiTECH (Dealer Scan Tool): Quick Learn / Adaptation Drive Learn Procedure — This is mandatory after replacing the transmission, valve body, or clearing adaptation memory. It forces the TCM to relearn the clutch fill times and pressures to ensure smooth shifting post-repair. The procedure for the 'D' clutch involves driving in 3rd gear at 20-35 mph with specific engine torque and RPM inputs.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main Lighting Ground — On the left (driver's side) front fender, behind the headlight and underneath the battery box area on some models.. While not directly for the transmission, a poor main chassis ground can cause a wide range of electrical issues, including erratic module behavior and incorrect sensor readings due to unstable voltage. Ensuring all main grounds are clean and tight is a crucial step in diagnosing any complex electronic fault code.
• OBD-II Port — Under the driver's side dashboard, to the left of the steering column.. This is the connection point for the diagnostic scan tool required to read the fault code, view live data like CVI values, and initiate the post-repair adaptation procedures.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• 5thGenRams Forum (2019 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi (Uses the same 8HP75 transmission family)) — Vehicle would shift hard with a 'REV and CLUNK' between gears, then get stuck in 3rd gear with the Check Engine Light on. Restarting the truck would temporarily resolve the issue.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the P0733 code (it returned).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user's vehicle was under warranty, and the issue pointed towards an internal transmission failure consistent with the known TSBs. While the final dealer repair was not explicitly stated by the user, the symptoms and code directly align with the 'D' clutch failure, for which the TSB repair is the prescribed fix.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68676890AA → 68676890AB — This is the 'D Clutch Repair Kit' / Output Shaft Kit for 4x4/AWD models with the 850RE transmission. The 'AB' version is a revision of the original 'AA' part.
• 68676894AA → 68676894AB — This is the 'D Clutch Repair Kit' / Output Shaft Kit for RWD models with the 850RE transmission. The 'AB' version is a revision of the original 'AA' part.