P0750 Code: Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database.

No NHTSA complaints were listed for the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma specifically for P0750 in the provided data. That means official complaint data is not showing this code as a common, widely reported issue for this model/year in the dataset you provided. Data limitations: lack of complaints/recalls does not prove the problem can’t occur; it just isn’t reflected in these records. Use this guide as a thorough diagnostic framework, but treat it as one data point among many.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0750
• Meaning (common interpretation): Shift Solenoid A Malfunction in the transmission control system. This indicates the transmission solenoid responsible for controlling gear engagement (solenoid A) is not operating or is signaling abnormally. It can be caused by a faulty solenoid, wiring harness issue, or transmission control module (TCM) communication fault.
• Severity and drivability:
  • Symptoms can range from minor to severe. Early signs: intermittent harsh shifting, delayed or rough upshifts or downshifts.
  • In some cases the vehicle may enter a limp/limited-gear mode to protect the transmission, resulting in restricted acceleration and limited gear selection.
  • If left unaddressed, continued shifting faults can lead to internal transmission wear, valve body damage, or fluid contamination.
• Interpretation for Tacoma owners: 6-speed automatic transmissions used in Tacomas rely on precise solenoid control; P0750 often points to the A-solenoid circuit or valve body. Because multiple failure modes can yield the same DTC, a thorough diagnostic approach is important.

COMMON CAUSES ON TOYOTA TACOMA

• Faulty Shift Solenoid A (the solenoid itself has failed or is sticking).
• Wiring harness issue to Shift Solenoid A (damaged insulation, corrosion, loose connector, short to ground or open circuit).
• Transmission control module (TCM) software or clocking fault; communication issue between PCM/TCM and solenoid circuits.
• Contaminated or degraded transmission fluid (low level, burnt smell, varnish, or metal debris) causing wear or valve sticking.
• Valve body or solenoid valve contamination or clogging; sludge buildup restricting flow.
• Poor electrical connections at the solenoid connector or compromised grounds.
• Sensor/mechanical wear in the valve body that changes hydraulic pressure characteristics affecting solenoid performance.
• Overheating or extreme driving conditions that accelerate wear on valve bodies and solenoids.
• Normal wear with age is possible, but symptoms often worsen with time or with driving style (heavy towing, lot of gear changes, or stop-and-go traffic).

SYMPTOMS

• Harsh or late/early shifts, or erratic shifting between gears.
• Transmission may “hang” in a gear or fail to upshift/downshift as commanded.
• Check Engine Light (CEL) or Transmission warning light (ABS/TCM indicators may accompany the DTC).
• Diminished fuel economy due to improper shift timing.
• In some cases, the vehicle may go into a limp mode with limited gears.
• Fluid condition: ATF smell burnt or discolored fluid can accompany internal transmission issues, including solenoid problems.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Note: This is a structured approach suitable for a DIYer with basic tools, but some steps (valve body access, pressure testing, or TCM reprogramming) are better performed by a professional.

A. Confirm and understand the fault

• Use an appropriate OBD-II scanner to confirm P0750 is stored and check for any freeze-frame data or related codes that may point to companion faults (P0751/P0752/P0753 style codes for related solenoids, if present).
• Note any additional DTCs (pressure, gear ratio, or valve body codes) that can accompany P0750.

B. Visual inspection and basic electrical checks

• Inspect theShift Solenoid A wiring harness and connector for corrosion, damaged insulation, bent pins, or moisture.
• Check for any obvious wiring harness routing issues that could cause chafing or shorting.
• Inspect battery/charging system and electrical grounds near the transmission area; poor voltage can affect solenoid operation.

C. Transmission fluid check

• Check ATF level when the transmission is at operating temperature and vehicle on level ground.
• Inspect ATF color and odor. Fresh Dexron VI should be red and not burnt; dark, gritty, or burnt-smelling fluid indicates contamination or wear.
• If fluid is old or contaminated, plan a fluid drain/fill with the correct Dexron VI specification and a new filter if applicable (depending on the Tacoma transmission design).

D. Electrical/solenoid test (with appropriate service data)

• With a proper service manual or OEM guidance, verify coil resistance of Shift Solenoid A (and its circuit resistance across the terminals) and compare to spec. If the resistance is out of tolerance or there is an open/short, the solenoid or wiring is suspect.
• Perform a controlled solenoid test using a scan tool to command the solenoid on/off and observe whether the transmission actually shifts as commanded. If commanded operation does not translate to proper gear engagement, suspect solenoid or valve body hydraulics.
• Check for proper transmission sensor inputs (e.g., vehicle speed sensor, input/output speed sensors) that feed the TCM, since incorrect inputs can cause incorrect shift commands.

E. Hydraulic/mechanical checks

• If no electrical fault is found, remove the transmission pan and inspect for excessive metal debris, filter condition, and valve body cleanliness.
• Inspect valve body for sludge or debris that could impede valve movement or solenoid operation; clean or replace as per service guidelines.
• If available, perform a transmission pressure test to check for abnormal hydraulic pressure in the circuits associated with solenoid A. Abnormal pressure can indicate valve body wear or fluid flow restrictions.

F. Software and firmware

• Check for any TCM or PCM software/firmware updates for the Tacoma’s transmission control system. In some cases, software updates can resolve shifting anomalies.
• If TCM fault is suspected, a reflash or programming update may be necessary.

G. Decision point

• If solenoid A tests out of spec or wiring is damaged, replace the solenoid assembly (and repair wiring as needed).
• If the valve body shows contamination or wear, a valve body cleaning or replacement might be required.
• If hydraulic pressure tests fail or the overall valve body/solenoid system is severely degraded, valve body replacement or transmission overhaul may be necessary.
• If all internal components test well, consider TCM/ECU reflash or replacement as a last resort after confirming wiring and valve integrity.

RELATED CODES

• Related shift solenoid codes in the P07xx range are commonly associated with solenoid A and B circuits in many automatics. For the Toyota/Tacoma context, P0750 is the central code for Shift Solenoid A malfunction; related DTCs (if present) often reference solenoid A or other shift solenoids (A/B) and sometimes generic transmission solenoid or performance-related codes.
• Because the dataset you provided lists no recalls or complaints for this issue, there are no official recall notes to cite here. If you encounter additional codes in your own scan data, treat them as potential companion faults (e.g., other solenoid-related codes) and investigate accordingly.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Prices vary by region, shop, and whether the issue is isolated to the solenoid or extends to the valve body or transmission. The Tacoma’s 6-speed auto is a fairly involved unit; prices reflect typical mid-range repair shops and dealer pricing.

A. ATF service (drain/fill with Dexron VI)

• Parts: Dexron VI ATF (1–3 quarts depending on pan size; many transmissions take about 4–6 quarts)
• Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
• Estimated total: $120–$250
• Notes: Often a first step when diagnosing shifting problems; can sometimes improve symptoms if fluid is degraded.

B. Shift Solenoid A replacement (solenoid package and wiring check)

• Parts: Shift Solenoid A assembly ($60–$180, depending on OEM vs aftermarket)
• Labor: 2–4 hours (varies with access and whether wiring harness repair is needed)
• Estimated total: $300–$650
• Notes: If solenoid is stuck or coil is open/shorted, replacing the solenoid is typical.

C. Valve body cleaning/refurbishment or Solenoid valve body replacement

• Parts: Valve body rebuild kit or assembly ($150–$350) or complete valve body assembly ($350–$800)
• Labor: 4–8 hours (varying with removal/reassembly complexity)
• Estimated total: $800–$1,800
• Notes: Contamination or sludge can necessitate cleaning or rebuild; cost increases if the entire valve body must be replaced.

D. Transmission fluid/solenoid system service with diagnosis

• Parts: ATF + filters (if applicable) plus solenoid/wiring inspections
• Labor: 2–5 hours
• Estimated total: $500–$1,200
• Notes: Combines fluid service with a targeted solenoid/valve body inspection.

E. Transmission control module (TCM) software update or programming

• Parts: None (software update)
• Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
• Estimated total: $100–$350
• Notes: Some fixes are software-related; ensure the vehicle has the latest revision.

F. Transmission replacement or engineered rebuild (extreme cases)

• Parts: Remanufactured or used transmission, new/updated torque converter, gaskets, fluids
• Labor: 8–20 hours depending on setup and availability
• Estimated total: $3,000–$8,000 (used/transmission), $5,000–$9,000+ (new/remanufactured)
• Notes: Considered when the valve body and solenoids are not the root cause, or when transmission damage is extensive.

G. DIY cost-saving observation

• If you’re capable and have the tools, you can save some labor by performing drain/fill, harness inspection, coil resistance tests, and light cleaning of the valve body. Expect to spend primarily on parts and your own labor time.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY:
  • Pros: Lower cost for basic maintenance like ATF drain/fill, wiring inspection, basic solenoid testing with a proper tool, valve body cleaning if you have the right setup.
  • Cons: Valve body work, transmission pan/valve body removal, precise hydraulic testing, torque specs, and software reprogramming should be performed by a professional. You risk creating more damage if not done correctly.
  • Tools to consider: OBD-II scanner with transmission data, basic hand tools, torque wrench, transmission fluid drain/fill equipment, and, ideally, access to Toyota service information (manuals) for valve body specs and solenoid testing procedures.
• Professional:
  • When to go pro: If the fault persists after a fluid service, if you observe internal contamination, if solenoid tests indicate coil trouble, or if the valve body requires cleaning or replacement. When the issue likely involves the hydraulic system or TCM software, professional diagnostic and repair is recommended.
  • Benefits: Accurate diagnosis, proper valve body service/replacement, proper hydraulic testing, software updates, and a warranty on repairs.

PREVENTION

• Regular transmission maintenance:
  • Follow Toyota’s recommended ATF service intervals and use the correct Dexron VI specification.
  • Avoid overheating the transmission; inspect and address cooling system issues (transmission cooling lines, radiator, and transmission fluid temperature).
  • Check ATF level and condition regularly, especially if the vehicle is used for towing or heavy loading.
• Fluid quality matters:
  • Use manufacturer-approved ATF; degraded or contaminated fluid increases wear and can contribute to solenoid and valve body sticking.
• Gentle driving and proper use:
  • Avoid aggressive shifts and excessive lugging; aggressive driving can stress solenoids and valve bodies.
• Electrical/system care:
  • Keep connectors clean and free of corrosion; ensure proper grounding near the transmission area.
  • Address any engine/PCM/TCM software updates when issued by Toyota to ensure proper shift logic.
• Diagnostics and early action:
  • If you notice shifting abnormalities, have the code read promptly and address minor issues before they escalate into valve body or solenoid failures.

Summary

• P0750 on a 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma points to a Shift Solenoid A issue, but the actual root cause can be electrical, hydraulic, or software-related. The dataset provided reports no official recalls or complaints for this code in this model/year, which means real-world prevalence in this dataset is not evident. Use the diagnostic steps outlined to isolate whether the issue is a solenoid, wiring, valve body, or TCM problem. Repair costs vary widely by root cause, from a relatively simple solenoid replacement to valve body work or even transmission replacement in extreme cases. For mostTacoma owners, starting with a transmission fluid check/flush and solenoid testing provides a practical first path, followed by targeted valve body service if needed. If in doubt, consulting a qualified technician with Tacoma-specific experience is recommended.