P0773 on 2012-2014 Kia Soul: Shift Solenoid 'E' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2014 Kia SOUL

The 2012-2014 Kia Soul uses a 6-speed automatic transmission (the A6GF1) that is known to have issues with its shift solenoids. This issue is so common that Kia acknowledged it by issuing Technical Service Bulletin #TSBTRA051R1, which specifically lists P0773 and advises technicians to replace the individual solenoids rather than the entire expensive transaxle assembly. This is crucial information for owners, as it points to a common, relatively inexpensive component failure as the root cause, preventing unnecessary and costly transmission replacements. The bulletin covers a wide range of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that share this transmission family.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Generation note: This range covers the end of the first generation Soul (2012-2013) and the beginning of the second generation (2014). Both generations used a 6-speed automatic transmission (A6GF1 family), and the cited TSB applies to all Kia models with this transmission, so the issue and fix are consistent across these years.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on.
• Transmission gets stuck in a single gear (often 3rd gear, known as 'limp mode').
• Harsh, jerky, or delayed shifting.
• Transmission slipping between gears.
• Transmission overheating.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• Transmission warning lamp may be illuminated on the dashboard.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Shift Solenoid 'E' 🔴 High Probability This is a well-documented failure point on Kia's 6-speed automatic transmissions, as acknowledged by Kia's own Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #TSBTRA051R1). The internal coil windings of the solenoid can fail, causing an open or short circuit.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can test the solenoid's internal resistance with a multimeter 🎬 See how to test and clean your transmission solenoids. after removing the transmission pan. For the A6GF1 transmission, the on/off shift solenoids like 'E' (SS-A) should have a resistance of 10-11 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). A reading significantly outside this range, or an infinite (open) or zero (short) reading, confirms a failed solenoid.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty solenoid. Often, mechanics replace the entire set of 8 solenoids as a preventative measure since they are all the same age and located in the same assembly. The TSB explicitly states to replace the solenoid(s), not the transaxle.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80 for a single solenoid, $130-$300 for a full kit.
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The internal wiring harness lives in a harsh environment of heat and transmission fluid, which can cause wires to become brittle and crack over time.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to and inside the transmission for any signs of corrosion, breaks, or loose pins at the connectors. A continuity test with a multimeter can confirm if the circuit between the TCM and the solenoid is intact.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wire or clean/replace the faulty connector. Sometimes the entire internal transmission harness needs to be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50 for wiring repair supplies, $50-$100 for a new internal harness.
3. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be at the correct level, pinkish-red, and not smell burnt. While this is less likely to cause a purely electrical code like P0773, extremely contaminated fluid can clog passages and interfere with solenoid mechanical operation, though it typically won't cause an electrical fault code on its own.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill, or a full fluid exchange if the fluid is very dirty. This is often done as part of the solenoid replacement service.
   Est. part cost: $70-$150 for OEM-spec transmission fluid.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare and should only be considered after all other possibilities, especially the solenoid and wiring, have been thoroughly ruled out. A faulty module will typically cause multiple other error codes, not just P0773.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle's computer for P0773 and any other related codes.
2. Check the level and condition of the automatic transmission fluid. Ensure it is clean, full, and does not smell burnt. Note that many modern vehicles do not have a dipstick, making this step more difficult.
3. Inspect the external wiring harness and connectors running to the transmission for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
4. If external wiring is okay, drain the transmission fluid and remove the transmission oil pan to access the valve body and solenoids.
5. Visually inspect the internal wiring harness for damage, such as brittle or broken wires.
6. Locate Shift Solenoid 'E' (also referred to as SS-A). It is one of the eight solenoids on the valve body.
7. Using a multimeter set to Ohms, test the resistance across the two pins of the solenoid. The reading should be between 10-11 Ohms. An infinite reading (open) or zero reading (short) indicates a failed solenoid.
8. If the solenoid tests good, test for proper voltage and ground at the solenoid's connector with the key on to trace the electrical fault back toward the TCM.
9. If the solenoid is confirmed faulty, replace it. It is often recommended to replace the entire solenoid kit as a preventative measure.
🎬 Watch this walkthrough on removing and replacing the shift solenoids.
10. Reinstall the transmission pan with a new gasket, refill with the correct type and amount of transmission fluid (Kia SP-IV / SP4-M), and clear the trouble codes.
11. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the repair and ensure smooth shifting through all gears.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Automatic Transmission Shift Solenoid (OEM #46313-3B030) — This is the component that fails most often, causing the P0773 electrical fault code, as documented in Kia's TSB. This specific part number corresponds to the ON/OFF solenoids used for positions like SS-A (Shift Solenoid 'E').
  Trusted brands: Hyundai/Kia (OEM)
  OEM price range: $50-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Automatic Transmission Solenoid Kit (OEM #46313-3B075 (example kit number)) — Since accessing the solenoids requires significant labor, many owners and shops choose to replace the entire set of 8 solenoids at once as a preventative measure. Kits often include all necessary solenoids for the A6GF1 valve body.
  Trusted brands: SHINGHOI AUTOMATIC, Rostra
  OEM price range: $300-$500
  Aftermarket price range: $130-$250
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF SP-IV/SP4-M) — The transmission must be drained to access the solenoids, requiring a fluid replacement as part of the job. Using the manufacturer-specified fluid is critical for transmission longevity.
  Trusted brands: Hyundai/Kia (OEM), Idemitsu, ENEOS
  OEM price range: $15-$25 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$18 per quart
• Transmission Oil Pan Gasket — The pan gasket is a one-time use part and must be replaced whenever the transmission pan is removed to prevent leaks.
  Trusted brands: Fel-Pro, Mahle, Hyundai/Kia (OEM)
  OEM price range: $20-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$25

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768 — These are codes for other shift solenoids (A, B, C, D) in the same 6-speed transmission. They share a common design and are listed in the same TSB. If multiple codes appear, it may point to a failing solenoid pack or a wiring harness issue common to all of them.
• P0741, P0743 — These codes relate to the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) solenoid, which is also located on the same valve body and is part of the same TSB. A failure here can present similar shifting symptoms.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSBTRA051R1: Addresses multiple solenoid DTCs including P0773 on 6-speed automatic transaxles, advising solenoid replacement instead of transaxle replacement.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin #TSBTRA051R1 (also listed as TRA 051 REV 1) for multiple models, including the Soul, equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The bulletin specifically lists code P0773 and instructs technicians to replace the solenoid(s) rather than the entire transaxle, confirming this is a known component-level problem.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Shift Solenoid 'E' (SS-A) Resistance — expected: 10 - 11 Ω at 68°F (20°C). Failure: A reading of infinite ohms (open circuit), zero ohms (short circuit), or a value significantly outside the specified range.
• Solenoid Activation Test — expected: A distinct 'click' sound when 12V is briefly applied to the solenoid's terminals.. Failure: No click is heard, indicating the solenoid's internal plunger is mechanically stuck or the coil is completely non-functional.
• Variable Force Solenoid (VFS/PWM) Resistance — expected: ~5.1 - 5.3 Ω. Failure: A reading significantly different from the expected value. This is for other solenoids on the valve body, not Shift Solenoid 'E'.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System): Actuation Test — This function allows a technician to command a specific solenoid (e.g., Shift Solenoid 'E') to turn on and off while the vehicle is stationary. This helps confirm if the TCM and wiring are capable of activating the solenoid, and allows the technician to listen for the solenoid's physical click, helping to isolate the fault to the solenoid itself without first removing the transmission pan.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Ground Strap — A ground wire or strap connecting the transmission bellhousing area to the vehicle's chassis/frame rail.. A poor or corroded main ground for the transmission can cause a variety of erratic electrical faults and incorrect sensor readings, potentially triggering solenoid circuit codes like P0773. Ensuring this connection is clean, tight, and free of corrosion is a crucial early step in diagnosing any electrical transmission code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user post (2014 Kia Soul with 1.6L GDI engine and A6GF1 transmission) — User damaged the original transmission after an engine replacement.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Sourcing a used A6MF1 transmission, believing it was a compatible, heavier-duty replacement for the original A6GF1., Swapping the bellhousing and torque converter from the old A6GF1 onto the A6MF1., Installing the modified A6MF1 transmission.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The A6MF1 transmission did not work correctly after installation. The user concluded that the different gear ratios and electronic expectations of the A6MF1 were incompatible with the vehicle's computer, which was programmed for an A6GF1. The ultimate fix is to use the exact same transmission model (A6GF1) for replacement, not a supposedly similar one from the same family.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 46313-3B020 → 46313-3B030 — Standard part revision by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number (46313-3B030) is a direct replacement for the old one and is fully compatible.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2012-2014: The primary variation is the transmission model based on the engine. Souls with the 1.6L engine are typically equipped with the A6GF1 transmission. Souls with the larger 2.0L engine are often equipped with the A6MF1 transmission. While the solenoids and TSB apply to both, the entire transmission assemblies are not directly interchangeable due to differences in internal components and potentially gear ratios, which can cause compatibility issues with the vehicle's control modules.