P0751 on Kia: How to Diagnose & Fix
Shift Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off
1 Kia model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $1,500-$3,500 repair
P0751 on Kia by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Owners of the 2004-2009 Kia Amanti report problems with its 5-speed automatic transmission. Every year uses this gearbox. 2004-2006 cars pair it with a 3.5L V6 of about 200 hp, and 2007-2009 cars with a 264-hp 3.8L V6. In NHTSA complaints, 2004 owners describe the transmission skipping or hesitating going into 2nd gear and from 2nd to 3rd at about 10,000 miles. Another describes the car trying to lurch forward when stopped in gear with the brake on. 2005 owners describe sudden jerks or lunges, hesitation after shifting from Reverse to Drive, and the car seeming stuck in first gear. Dealers often could not reproduce these faults and found nothing stored in the computer. In one case, reprogramming and a maintenance service did not cure the jerking. On the 3.8L cars, one 2007 owner reported the transmission failing at about 80,000 miles. Only a small number of complaints have been filed. Kia issued a January 2007 bulletin (TSB 018) to reset and relearn the transmission's adaptive shift values on the 2007 Amanti.
Common Symptoms
- Harsh, delayed, or skipped shifts (especially into 2nd or 3rd)
- Car lurches forward when stopped in gear with the brake on
- Hesitation or no power after shifting from Reverse to Drive
- Sudden jerks or lunges, sometimes seeming stuck in first gear
- Transmission slipping or failing at higher mileage
How to Fix
1. Check the fluid level and condition first. The 2007 owner's manual specifies Diamond ATF SP-III or SK ATF SP-III, with a transaxle capacity of 10.9 L (11.5 US qt). Kia's ATF application guide (TSBTRA046) lists the correct fluid by model. 2. Scan for stored transmission and engine codes. Dealers often found none when owners reported jerking or lurching. Write down when the fault happens (cold start, a certain speed, after shifting from Reverse to Drive) to help a technician reproduce it. 3. On 2007 cars, ask a Kia dealer about TSB 018 (Automatic Transmission Adaptive Value Reset/Relearn, January 2007). If the check-engine light is also on, ask whether PCM/ECM software bulletins TSB 039 (P0110) or TSB-061 Rev 1 (3.8L) apply to your VIN. 4. If the transmission still slips or loses gears with correct fluid and current software, have a shop diagnose it to decide between repairing internal parts and rebuilding or replacing the unit. The only 2007 recall Consumer Guide lists is for the stop-lamp switch. That switch can affect the brake-shift interlock (the shifter may not leave Park), not the transmission itself. One 2007 owner whose transmission failed at about 80,000 miles reported paying over $2,500 for a used replacement transmission, plus over $700 to ship it.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (9)
- CarComplaints - Kia Amanti: 2007 transmission slippingforum
- 2004 Kia Amanti automatic transmission complaints (CarComplaints/NHTSA)owner-reports
- 2005 Kia Amanti automatic transmission complaints (CarComplaints/NHTSA)owner-reports
- 2007 Kia Amanti transmission slipping complaint (CarComplaints)owner-reports
- TSB list for the 2007 Kia Amantitsb
- Kia TSB 018: Automatic Transmission Adaptive Value Reset/Relearn (2007 Amanti)tsb
- 2007 Kia Amanti owner's manual specificationsowner-manual
- Consumer Guide: 2004-09 Kia Amantireview
- Cars.com: 2007 Kia Amanti what's newreview
P0751 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 P0751 mean on a Kia?
P0751 stands for "Shift Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off." This code means the transmission control module commanded Shift Solenoid A (sometimes called Shift Solenoid 1) but the transmission did not respond properly, with the solenoid acting as though it is stuck 'off.' Shift solenoids are electrically operated valves that direct hydraulic fluid pressure to engage gears, so when one underperforms the transmission may shift harshly, slip, or fail to change gears at the right time. The computer sets this code when the measured gear ratio or shift behavior does not match the commanded state. It generally indicates a hydraulic or performance issue with the solenoid or the fluid circuit it controls inside the automatic transmission. On Kia it is documented across 1 model: Amanti.
What are the most common causes of P0751?
The most common causes of P0751 are: Stuck or failed Shift Solenoid A, Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid, Clogged solenoid screen or valve body passages, Sticking or worn valve body components, Wiring or connector problem at the solenoid, Internal transmission mechanical wear, Faulty transmission control module. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0751 on a Kia?
Published repair estimates on Kia range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.