P0735: How to Diagnose & Fix — Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
7 vehicles · 6 makes · $400-$4,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0735: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Fiesta · 2011–2019
The Ford Fiesta equipped with the DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission is one of the most complained-about vehicles in recent history. The dry dual-clutch design causes severe shuddering, jerking, hesitation, and complete loss of power during acceleration. The clutch plates overheat and wear prematurely, often before 50,000 miles. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) software frequently fails to adapt properly, causing delayed shifts, harsh engagement, and rollback on hills. Ford faced a class-action lawsuit involving nearly 1.5 million vehicles and a federal settlement was reached.
Common Symptoms
- Violent shuddering or bucking during acceleration from a stop
- Transmission slipping and RPMs flaring without acceleration
- Harsh or jerky shifts between 1st and 2nd gear
- Hesitation or delayed engagement when pressing the gas pedal
- Vehicle rolls backward on hills even with foot on gas
- Grinding or chattering noise from transmission area
- Wrench warning light or transmission malfunction message
How to Fix
Check if your vehicle is covered under Ford's extended warranty or class-action settlement — many Fiestas qualify for free clutch and TCM replacement. If out of warranty, have the clutch assembly and TCM reprogrammed or replaced ($1,500-$3,500). Some owners have had success with multiple TCM reflashes to improve shift quality. As a last resort, some owners have converted to a manual transmission. Avoid the PowerShift entirely when purchasing a used Fiesta — manual transmission models are far more reliable.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Transmission Clutch KitCross-refK70564-01
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
Infiniti G37 · 2009–2013
The 7-speed automatic introduced for the 2009 G37 developed a widely reported drivability complaint: a hard clunk on the 2nd-to-1st downshift when coasting to a stop, gear hunting/searching under light throttle, delayed or harsh upshifts when cold, and in some cases stored incorrect-gear-ratio codes. The MyG37 '7-speed transmission reprogram' thread runs well past 170 pages of owner reports. Infiniti responded with a series of TCM/ECM reprogramming bulletins (owners cite ITB10-075 and later ITB12-027 revisions) rather than hardware replacement; only a minority of cars needed a torque converter or valve body.
Common Symptoms
- Hard clunk or jerk on the 2-1 downshift when stopping
- Transmission hunts between gears at light throttle
- Delayed or harsh shifts when cold
- Check engine light with gear-ratio codes
How to Fix
Have an Infiniti dealer apply the latest TCM/ECM reprogram (bulletin family ITB10-075 / ITB12-027 and later revisions) with CONSULT-III; many owners report the harsh 2-1 downshift and hunting are cured or greatly reduced. If ratio codes persist after the reflash, the dealer flow is to inspect fluid level/condition and replace the valve body or torque converter. No recall; reflash was covered under powertrain warranty and is a nominal-cost labor item out of warranty.
Sources for this issue (4)
Jeep Grand Cherokee · 2004–2004
DaimlerChrysler TSB 08-016-05 describes an internal TCM circuit fault that may cause an intermittent low-line-pressure or gear-ratio DTC and limp-in on a specific 2004 WJ/WG Grand Cherokee population. The vehicle must have the 545RFE (sales code DGQ), a 4.7L or 4.7L High Output engine, and fall within the bulletin's April 7, 2004 through February 27, 2005 vehicle build range. Suspect TCMs have date codes 0984 through 0405. This is not a universal 1999-2010 transmission-overheating/shudder diagnosis, and it does not justify buying filters, fluid, a cooler, valve-body kits, or a solenoid pack from the symptom alone.
Common Symptoms
- Intermittent transmission limp-in mode
- Malfunction indicator lamp with a low-line-pressure or gear-ratio fault
- P0868 line-pressure-low fault
- P0731-P0736 or P1736 gear-ratio fault
How to Fix
Confirm the VIN build record, 545RFE sales code DGQ, stored transmission DTCs, and TCM event data. Read digits three through six of the TCM barcode; TSB 08-016-05 identifies 0984 through 0405 as the suspect controller build range. If the vehicle or controller date is outside scope, the bulletin does not apply and the transmission complaint needs its normal diagnostic path. For an in-scope vehicle, use the bulletin's P0868/gear-ratio decision path and compare desired, scan-reported actual, and mechanically measured line pressure with correct fluid level and temperature. Inspect wiring, connectors, cooler lines, leaks, and engine driveability first. The repair may involve the TCM and, when low pressure was present, inspection for clutch-disc damage; it is not a universal retail-parts fix. No commerce links are shown until those findings identify the required repair.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningDo not apply this TSB to every 45RFE/545RFE complaint. It requires a 2004 WJ/WG, 4.7L/4.7L H.O., sales code DGQ, the bulletin's vehicle build range, a listed DTC, and a suspect TCM date code.
- TipPreserve the TCM event data before clearing codes. The bulletin uses that data and the controller barcode date to separate a controller fault from actual low pressure and clutch damage.
- WarningA filter kit, ATF, cooler, Sonnax valve, separator plate, or solenoid pack is not a complete answer to this card. The old links represented different failure paths and have been removed.
Sources for this issue (3)
Lincoln Aviator · 2020–2023
Ford Explorer · 2002–2010
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P0735 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0735 mean?
P0735 stands for "Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio." This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 5th gear. By comparing input shaft speed to output shaft speed, the module verifies each commanded gear; when the 5th-gear ratio is wrong, P0735 is stored. This typically means the transmission is slipping or failing to lock into 5th gear due to fluid, friction, or solenoid issues. Drivers may notice slipping at highway speeds, RPM flare, poor fuel economy, or limp mode.
What are the most common causes of P0735?
The most common causes of P0735 are: Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid, Slipping clutch packs or worn friction elements in 5th gear, Stuck or faulty shift solenoid, Valve body / internal hydraulic leak or restriction, Worn or failing torque converter, Faulty input or output speed sensor, Internal mechanical wear inside the transmission. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0735?
Repair costs for P0735 range from $400 to $4,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0735?
Au7o has documented P0735 across 7 vehicle models from 6 manufacturers: Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.