P0750 Code: Honda Civic (2022-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0750 Diagnostic Guide for 2022-2024 Honda Civic (OBD-II)

Note on recalls and data

• Recalls/TSBs: No recalls found in NHTSA database for this make/model/year and issue.
• The diagnostic guidance here relies on general automotive knowledge for transmission solenoid issues and typical Honda CVT behavior, plus the data constraint that there are no NHTSA complaints or recalls listed for this code in the provided dataset.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What P0750 means:
  • P0750 is a generic OBD-II code indicating a malfunction in Shift Solenoid A (or its control circuit). In practice, this points to a fault in the electrical circuit feeding the solenoid or the solenoid itself failing to operate as commanded.
  • For a 2022-2024 Honda Civic (which uses a CVT in most trims), this code often relates to the hydraulic control solenoid that helps set the transmission’s gear/ratio behavior. Faults can cause improper hydraulic pressure, late or erratic shifting, or the transmission not selecting the intended range.
• Severity:
  • Moderate. The vehicle may enter a limited operating state (limp mode) or experience rough/hesitant shifts. If left unresolved, drivability can worsen and fuel efficiency may drop.
  • In some cases, the transmission may adapt or relearn after a fix, but continued driving with a confirmed fault can lead to additional transmission wear or other codes.

COMMON CAUSES ON HONDA CIVIC

• Electrical/solenoid circuit issues:
  • Faulty shift solenoid A coil or internal open/short
  • Damaged, corroded, or loose connectors and wiring harness to the solenoid/valve body
  • Damaged or blown fuse or poor power/ground supply to the Transmission Control Module (TCM)
  • Corrosion or water intrusion at solenoid connector
• Control circuit problems:
  • Open circuit, short to ground, or short to battery in the solenoid control wire
  • TCM software calibration issue or intermittent TCM fault
• Hydraulic/valve body issues:
  • Contaminated or low CVT fluid (or incorrect fluid type)
  • Clogged or sticking shift solenoid valve in the valve body
  • Internal valve body wear or damage causing improper pressure regulation
• Fluid-related issues:
  • Low CVT fluid level (or leaks)
  • Contaminated CVT fluid reducing solenoid performance
• Miscellaneous:
  • Recent transmission work (solenoids/valve body) with improper reassembly
  • Electrical ground issues elsewhere in the harness that affect the solenoid circuit reference

SYMPTOMS

• Transmission behavior:
  • Erratic or hard/sharp shifts, delayed engagement, or hesitation when selecting Drive, Reverse, or during acceleration
  • Stuck in a particular gear range or inability to shift beyond a certain gear
  • Transmission may go into a limp or degraded mode to protect itself
• Warning lights:
  • Check Engine light (CEL) or Transmission or ABS warning lights may illuminate
  • May see a stored P0750 code in the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) with or without other related codes
• Driving feel:
  • Surging, bucking, or rpm flare without meaningful speed increase (more common with CVT behavior)
  • Rough or abrupt deceleration in some situations if the valve body cannot regulate hydraulic pressure properly

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Important: work safely and, when in doubt, consult a qualified technician. Use a capable OBD-II scanner and, if possible, a Honda-specific scan tool for live data and fault status.

• Step 1: Confirm the codes and data

  • Read DTCs with ignition on, engine off, then clear and recheck to confirm P0750 (and note any other related codes such as P0700, P0751, P0755, or CVT-related codes).
  • Examine freeze-frame data for RPM, vehicle speed, engine load, battery voltage, and transmission temperature at the time of fault.

• Step 2: Basic vehicle health check

  • Measure battery voltage: should be ~12.6 V with engine off and ~13.5–14.8 V with the engine running.
  • Inspect for corrosion, damage, or loose connections at the transmission solenoid plug and the valve body harness.
  • Check transmission fluid level and condition (see CVT fluid section below). CVT fluid should be clean, not burnt-smelling, and at the proper level per Honda’s specification.

• Step 3: Inspect the electrical circuit

  • Visual inspection of the wiring to Shift Solenoid A: look for worn insulation, chafing, or pinched wires.
  • Check the fuse(s) related to the transmission control circuit and solenoid power in the fuse box.
  • Test the solenoid coil resistance at the connector (compare to Honda service spec). A coil that’s open or significantly out of spec suggests a faulty solenoid.
  • Check for voltage on the solenoid’s power wire when the TCM commands it on; verify the signal wire shows changing duty/voltage with scan tool live data.

• Step 4: Perform functional electrical tests

  • With a scan tool, monitor the Shift Solenoid A duty cycle/current when the transmission commands a shift. Abnormal duty cycles (stuck high/low, or no response) indicate a control circuit or solenoid failure.
  • If equipped, monitor TCM fault codes for intermittently stored faults or software-related faults.

• Step 5: Hydraulic/valve body and fluid checks

  • If electrical tests pass but symptoms persist, consider a hydraulic fault:
    • Inspect CVT fluid level and condition; if low or contaminated, address fluid service (with the correct Honda CVT fluid) and monitor whether the code returns.
    • A known good solenoid tested out of the car can be bench-tested, but CVT valve body issues typically require professional service to assess internal components.

• Step 6: Advanced/confirmatory steps

  • Reproduce the condition under controlled conditions (test drive with the scan tool logging data).
  • If available, reprogram or update the TCM software (through a dealership or a facility that performs software updates). Note: software updates are not guaranteed to be the fix; they are part of the broader diagnostic process.
  • If codes persist after all electrical and fluid checks, plan for possible solenoid replacement or valve body service by a qualified technician.

• Step 7: After repair

  • Clear codes and perform a road test to verify the fix.
  • If the fault reappears, capture live data during the fault condition and consult the service manual or a Honda technician for further valve-body-specific troubleshooting.

RELATED CODES

• Related shift solenoid circuit codes (in the P0xxx family) that may appear alongside or in the same fault investigation:
  • P0751 – Shift Solenoid A Stuck On (or related “A” circuit fault)
  • P0755 – Shift Solenoid B Malfunction (if the vehicle also uses a Shift Solenoid B circuit)
• Transmission control and generic transmission fault codes:
  • P0700 – Transmission Control System Malfunction (base code that indicates one or more transmission fault codes are present)
  • Additional CVT or valve-body related codes may appear depending on the system and diagnostic tool
• Note: Specific code meanings can vary by model and year, and Honda’s CVT implementations may use different nomenclature in some model years. The focus here is on P0750 and typical related circuit/solenoid codes.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Prices are approximate and vary by region, labor rate, and whether you choose a dealership or independent shop. The Civic CVT is a precision system; some tasks are best performed by a trained technician.

• Basic DIY tasks (minimal cost, but time required):

  • Visual inspection of wiring/connectors and cleaning connectors: $0–$20 in parts if you have the tools; labor is your time.
  • Battery and charging system check: often free at many parts stores; or $20–$40 if done professionally.
  • CVT fluid top-up (if level is low and you’re confident with the procedure): fluid cost $8–$20 per quart, total $60–$150 depending on amount needed.

• Solenoid/valve body related work (most common fix for P0750):

  • Shift Solenoid A replacement (solenoid alone):
    • Parts: approximately $40–$200 (depends on Honda part numbers and whether it’s a single solenoid or part of a kit/valve body assembly).
    • Labor: roughly 2–5 hours at typical shop rates.
    • Estimated total: $250–$700.
  • Valve body assembly or solenoid pack replacement (often bundled):
    • Parts: $200–$800 (valve body assembly or torque-to-don’t-quote kit depending on the exact design for the Civic CVT).
    • Labor: 4–8 hours depending on access and if the valve body must be removed.
    • Estimated total: $700–$2,000.
  • CVT fluid change/refill (recommended if fluid contamination is suspected):
    • Parts + fluid: $60–$180
    • Labor: 1–2 hours
    • Estimated total: $180–$400.

• Transmission-related options (if solenoid/valve body repair is insufficient or transmission damage is suspected):

  • Transmission fluid flush/replacement (CVT specific):
    • Parts + fluid: $60–$180
    • Labor: $100–$250
    • Estimated total: $160–$430.
  • Transmission reprogramming/software update:
    • Dealer/programmer cost: typically $100–$250
    • Independent shop: $80–$180
  • Transmission repair or replacement (rare for an isolated solenoid fault, but possible if internal damage is found):
    • Rebuilt CVT: $2,500–$4,500 (excluding major ancillary parts)
    • New CVT: $4,500–$7,500 or more
    • Labor will be substantial in either case

• Final note on costs:

  • If the issue is electrical (wiring/solenoid harness), the repair cost will be significantly lower than a full valve-body or CVT replacement.
  • If internal CVT damage is found, costs increase dramatically. Always confirm the diagnosis with live data and fault verification before committing to a major repair.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• Do-it-yourself (DIY) considerations:
  • Safe, basic steps such as checking the battery, fuses, and visible connectors are reasonable for a confident DIYer.
  • Simple solenoid checks with a multimeter and scanning live data are possible if you have the right tools and knowledge.
  • Replacing a shift solenoid, valve body, or CVT components is typically challenging due to the transmission’s location, alignment, torque requirements, and need for exact fluid specifications. It often requires professional tools and training.
• Professional considerations:
  • Diagnosing P0750 accurately requires live data and sometimes bench-testing or valve-body work. A professional shop will have the proper Honda service information, software for TCM updates, and the necessary torque specs and fluid specifications for CVT service.
  • Expect a thorough diagnostic process (including verification drives) before any replacement, to avoid unnecessary parts replacements.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance:
  • Use the Honda-approved CVT fluid (only use the specified type) and follow Honda’s maintenance intervals for CVT fluid service.
  • Check CVT fluid level when the transmission is warm and vehicle on level ground; top up as required per the owner’s manual.
  • Monitor fluid color and smell. Browning/ burnt smell or dark, contaminated fluid warrants a fluid change.
• Driving habits to extend CVT life:
  • Avoid aggressive starts and heavy towing unless the vehicle is rated for it; abrupt acceleration can heat the CVT and degrade fluid performance.
  • Allow the transmission to warm up before heavy loading or spirited driving in cold weather.
• Environment and safety:
  • Keep the engine and transmission cooling systems in good condition to prevent overheating, which can stress the CVT and its solenoids.
  • Address any transmission warning lights promptly; prolonged operation with a fault can lead to more extensive (and costly) damage.