A trouble code P0730: Shift Control System Fault usually tells you that the transmission is not shifting correctly. This could either be caused by an internal mechanical problem or a transmission solenoid problem.
In this tutorial, I'll shed some light on what this trouble code means and some of the tests you can perform to find its cause (and solution).
Contents of this tutorial:
You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Código P0730 ¿Qué Significa? (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V) (at: autotecnico-online.com).
APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 2.0L Honda CR-V: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.
What Does Trouble Code P0730 Mean?
A trouble code P0730: Shift Control System Fault lets you know that the transmission is not shifting between gears (usually 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd, or 2nd-4th gears) or is stuck in 1st or 4th gear.
Unfortunately, this trouble code does not indicate exactly where the problem lies or what component is the one that has failed.
Common Symptoms Of A P0730 Trouble Code
You're gonna' see one or more of the following symptoms:
- The check engine light is on.
- The transmission fails to shift from 1st to 2nd gear.
- The transmission fails to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear.
- The transmission fails to shift from 2nd to 4th gears.
- The transmission slips when shifting into a higher gear.
- The transmission is stuck in 1st or 4th gear.
What Causes A P0730 Trouble Code?
In 8 of 10 cases, a trouble code P0730 is caused by an internal mechanical problem in the transmission (causing it to slip or not go into a higher gear).
In the majority of cases (if not all), this is caused by normal wear and tear since this trouble code usually pops up in very high mileage vehicles.
In some rare instances, this trouble code is caused by a defective transmission shift solenoid component.
Diagnosing A P0730 Trouble Code
A trouble code P0730 is usually accompanied by another P07xx series code. If that second trouble code refers to a shift solenoid malfunction, you should troubleshoot and resolve that code first.
After resolving the shift solenoid malfunction trouble code, road test your Honda CR-V and see if the problem is solved.
If the P0730 trouble code appears by itself, the Honda repair literature recommends that you outright replace two components to see IF they solve the problem. These two are:
- A And B Shift Control Valve Assembly.
- Linear Solenoid Assembly (also known as the A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid).
If replacing the above two transmission shift solenoid assemblies does not solve the transmission shift problem, Honda then recommends replacing the transmission.
My personal recommendation is to test these two components to see if they truly are bad.
If your test results confirm that these shift solenoid assemblies are OK, then you can conclude that your Honda CR-V's transmission has an internal mechanical problem that requires an overhaul or a transmission replacement.
You can find the Honda CR-V shift solenoid assembly tests here:
- How To Test: Shift Solenoids A And B (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- How To Test: A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
If both shift solenoid assemblies pass their tests, then you can conclude that the transmission has an internal mechanical problem that requires an overhaul or replacement.
More 2.0L Honda CR-V Tutorials
You can find a complete list of tutorials here: Honda 2.0L Index Of Articles.
Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- How To Test The Ignition Coil (1999-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- How To Test The TPS (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- How To Test The MAP Sensor (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- How To Test Engine Compression (1997-2001 2.0L Honda).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
