P0733 on 2020-2026 Jeep Gladiator: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2026 Jeep GLADIATOR

The Jeep Gladiator, along with many other Stellantis vehicles, uses the 8-speed 850RE automatic transmission, which is a Stellantis-built version of a ZF-licensed design. This transmission has a well-documented, widespread issue with the 'D' clutch pack failing prematurely. The problem is so common that Jeep has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) advising technicians to perform a specific internal clutch repair 🎬 See a teardown of the 850RE to understand internal components. rather than replacing the entire transmission, which was a common, more expensive, and often unnecessary initial reaction by some dealers.

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 when shifting into or driving in 3rd gear.
• Harsh or delayed shifting, sometimes described as a 'rev and clunk' between gears.
• Vehicle may get stuck in a lower gear (limp mode) and will not shift higher.
• Hesitation or lurching during acceleration.
• Loud 'clunk' or 'thunk' when shifting into Reverse, especially after sitting overnight.
• Inability to shift into Reverse, sometimes with a "Shift to P then Desired Gear" message on the dash.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal 'D' Clutch Failure 🔴 High Probability This is a known weak point in the 850RE transmission used in the Gladiator. Multiple TSBs (e.g., 21-009-25, S2621000003) have been issued by the manufacturer specifically to address this D clutch failure due to what is believed to be a faulty seal or component within the clutch pack.
   How to confirm: A technician will confirm by verifying the presence of P0733, often alongside P1DA8 and/or P1D92. The TSBs then guide the diagnosis, which includes a clutch air pressure test on the D clutch circuit to check for leaks after the valve body is removed. If it fails the pressure check (indicated by a large amount of escaping air), the transmission must be removed for repair.
   Typical fix: Replace the D clutch assembly using the manufacturer-specified repair kit. This is an internal transmission repair that involves removing and partially disassembling the transmission.
   Est. part cost: $200-$400 for the clutch kit.
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be at the correct level, red in color, and not smell burnt. Note: The 850RE transmission does not have a traditional dipstick, requiring a specific procedure involving a scan tool to monitor fluid temperature and removing a check plug. A burnt smell or dark color is a strong indicator of internal failure.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter change using the correct Mopar 8&9 Speed ATF. If the fluid is very dark or contains metal particles, it's a strong indicator of internal failure (like the D clutch), and a fluid change alone will not fix the issue.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250 for fluid and filter.
3. Faulty Transmission Valve Body or Solenoids ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: This is typically diagnosed after ruling out fluid issues and the known D clutch problem. A technician would use an advanced scan tool to monitor solenoid commands and pressures. This is an unlikely cause for P0733 on this platform given the prevalence of the D-clutch TSB.
   Typical fix: Replace the specific faulty solenoid or the entire valve body assembly.
   Est. part cost: $300-$1200

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the TCM for all stored trouble codes. Note if P1DA8 or P1D92 are present with P0733, as this strongly indicates the known D-clutch issue.
2. Check the vehicle's mileage. TSBs often note that this issue appears after a certain mileage, for example, 7,000 miles. [Bulletin #21-009-25 REV. B]
3. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This is a crucial first step for any transmission code, though difficult without a dipstick.
4. Consult manufacturer TSBs. For the Gladiator, TSB #21-009-25 (and its revisions) is the primary guiding document for this repair.
5. If codes and symptoms align with the TSB, the next step is a clutch air pressure test of the D-clutch circuit as per the service library procedure.
6. If the D-clutch circuit fails the pressure test, the diagnosis is confirmed. The transmission must be removed and the D-clutch kit installed.
7. After the repair, the TCM Adaptation Procedure must be performed using a dealer-level scan tool.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• D Clutch Repair Kit (Output Shaft Kit) (OEM #68676890AB (2WD) or 68676891AB (4WD)) — This is the specific component kit that fails internally, causing code P0733. Manufacturer TSBs call for its replacement instead of the entire transmission. The part number varies by drivetrain.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $250-$400
• Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid (OEM #68218925AB) — The correct fluid is required when performing the repair and refilling the transmission. Using the wrong fluid can cause severe damage. TSBs explicitly caution that this fluid is not compatible with ATF+4.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $25-$40 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1DA8-00 — Stands for 'Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A B or D Defective'. This code, along with P0733, points directly to the common internal clutch failure documented in TSBs.
• P1D92-00 — Stands for 'Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective'. This is another code that frequently accompanies P0733 and points to the same internal D clutch issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• S2621000003: Mentions P0733 as a fault code for several 8-speed transmissions.
• 9100534: States a repair is available for P0733 and transmission replacement is NOT required.
• 21-009-25 REV. B & C: Defines P0733 as 'Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio' and links it to the D clutch issue, noting a mileage requirement.
• 9100390 Rev 1: Mentions a 'D Clutch Repair Kit' for DTC P0733 and advises against transmission replacement.
• 21-039-24 (Multiple Revisions): A comprehensive bulletin detailing the D clutch replacement procedure for P0733, P1DA8, and P1D92, and listing all affected vehicles including the Gladiator, Ram 1500, Wrangler, Durango, and others.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A widespread, documented failure of the 'D' clutch pack in the 850RE 8-speed automatic transmission is the primary cause for P0733 on this platform.
• Manufacturer TSBs explicitly advise against replacing the transmission assembly for this code, instead providing a procedure for an internal clutch repair. Some owners have had to push back against dealers who initially wanted to replace the entire unit.
• There have been reports of the D-Clutch repair kits being shipped with missing seals, causing delays and requiring the kit to be returned and re-ordered.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• D-Clutch Air Pressure Test — expected: The clutch pack should apply with a slight 'thud' sound and hold pressure with minimal air leakage. The test is performed with the valve body removed.. Failure: A large amount of escaping air indicates failed internal seals, confirming the need for the D-clutch repair kit.
• Transmission Solenoid Resistance — expected: While no specific value for the 850RE was found, general testing guidelines suggest that regulating solenoids (common in modern transmissions) should have a resistance under 10 ohms. Older Jeep models specified a range of 11-15 ohms.. Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (open circuit) or zero ohms (short circuit) indicates a failed solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (DealerCONNECT): TCM Adaptation Procedure — This is a mandatory step AFTER the D-clutch assembly has been replaced. It resets the transmission's learned values to accommodate the new components and ensure proper shift quality. Failure to perform this can result in continued poor shifting.
• wiTECH (DealerCONNECT): Service Library Access — Used to access the detailed, official procedure for the 'Clutch Air Pressure Tests', which is the definitive step to condemn the D-clutch pack before removal.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G905A — On the left side of the vehicle, near the transmission and transfer case area, attached to the frame.. While a wiring issue is a very low probability cause for P0733 on this platform, G905A is a primary ground for the powertrain components. A poor ground here could theoretically cause erratic sensor readings or control module behavior, though it would likely be accompanied by many other fault codes.
• Transmission Harness Connector — The main electrical connector on the transmission housing where the vehicle's powertrain harness connects to the transmission's internal wiring and solenoids.. This is the primary point to check for corrosion, pin damage, or fluid intrusion before assuming an internal transmission failure, although this is rarely the cause for this specific code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• JLwranglerforums.com & JeepGladiatorForum.com (Multiple 2020+ Jeep Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) models with the 850RE transmission.) — Check engine light with codes P0733, P1DA8, and/or P1D92. Hard 'clunk' when shifting, especially into Reverse. Slipping between gears and sometimes getting stuck in a lower gear (limp mode).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Some dealers initially suggested a full transmission replacement at a very high cost., Clearing the codes without performing a repair, only for them to return quickly.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The official TSB repair, which involves removing the transmission and installing the 'D Clutch Repair Kit' (Output Shaft Kit). Owners who pushed for the TSB repair instead of a full replacement had the issue resolved successfully.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68676890AA → 68676890AB — Part revision by the manufacturer, likely to improve reliability or make small design changes.
  Heads up: The new part number (AB) should be used. The original (AA) is obsolete. This is for 2WD models.
• 68676891AA → 68676891AB — Part revision by the manufacturer, likely to improve reliability or make small design changes.
  Heads up: The new part number (AB) should be used. The original (AA) is obsolete. This is for 4WD models.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020-2026: According to TSB 21-009-25 REV. B and later revisions, the D-clutch repair procedure is specified for vehicles that have accumulated at least 11,265 km (7,000 mi.). Vehicles with lower mileage might undergo a different diagnostic path, though the D-clutch is still the most likely culprit.