P0733 on 2020-2023 Dodge Charger AWD: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2023 Dodge CHARGER AWD

For the 2020-2023 Dodge Charger with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 850RE, 8HP70), P0733 is not a generic code—it points to a well-documented pattern failure. Dodge's parent company, Stellantis, has released multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that this code, especially when seen with P1DA8 and P1D92, is caused by a mechanical failure of the 'D' clutch assembly inside the transmission. The manufacturer specifically advises against replacing the entire transmission in TSB #9100390 Rev 1, instead providing a dedicated repair kit for this known issue.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (may get stuck in one gear)
• Harsh or jerky shifting, particularly the 2-3 shift
• Transmission slipping (engine RPMs rise without an increase in speed)
• Vehicle will not shift higher than third gear
• Vehicle may not move in reverse
• A bump or clunk felt during shifts
• Delayed or poor acceleration

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal 'D' Clutch Assembly Failure 🔴 High Probability This is a known pattern failure acknowledged by the manufacturer in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), including #21-009-25 REV. B. The issue typically appears on vehicles with over 7,000 miles and is often due to a faulty seal or component within the clutch pack.
   How to confirm: Confirm with a professional scan tool. The presence of P0733 along with codes P1DA8-00 and/or P1D92-00 is a definitive indicator of this failure as per manufacturer TSBs. The TSB diagnostic may also include a clutch air pressure test after the valve body is removed.
   Typical fix: The transmission must be partially disassembled to replace the D-clutch assembly using the manufacturer-specified repair kit. The entire transmission does not need to be replaced. TSB 21-009-25 REV. B specifies a labor time of 6.7 hours for this job on the Charger (LD) platform.
   Est. part cost: $350-$650

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid: → Shop Transmission Assembly While a common cause for ratio codes on other vehicles, it's a very low probability cause for P0733 on this specific platform due to the known clutch issue. However, checking the fluid level and condition is still a valid preliminary step, though difficult as these are 'sealed' units without a dipstick.
• Faulty Valve Body or Shift Solenoid: → Shop Transmission Valve Body A solenoid or valve body issue is possible but unlikely compared to the documented D-clutch failure. This would typically be investigated only if the primary TSB conditions for the clutch repair are not met.
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issue: → Shop Transmission Assembly TSB #21-007-20 was released for some 2020 models to prevent *prematurely* setting incorrect ratio codes. A software update could be a fix in rare cases, but the mechanical clutch failure is far more common. One owner on Reddit reported a dealer wanted to replace the whole transmission, but independent shops suspected an electronic issue was more likely.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the Check Engine Light is on and scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with an OBD-II scanner.
2. Confirm the presence of P0733. Check for the highly related codes P1DA8 and P1D92, which strongly point to the known clutch issue.
3. Check the vehicle's mileage. The TSB for the D-clutch failure applies to vehicles with over 7,000 miles (11,265 km).
4. Check the transmission fluid level and condition following the manufacturer's specific procedure. The fluid must be at the correct temperature for an accurate reading. Note that this is a sealed transmission with no dipstick.
🎬 See how to properly service the ZF 8-speed transmission
5. If P0733, P1DA8, or P1D92 are present and the mileage is over 7,000 miles, the diagnosis points directly to the D-clutch failure. The next step is to perform the repair outlined in TSB #21-009-25 REV. B or its successors.
6. If the TSB criteria are not met, further diagnosis of the valve body, solenoids, and wiring may be necessary, but this is unlikely.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• D Clutch Repair Kit (OEM #68376693AA) — This is the specific kit identified in multiple TSBs to fix the known internal clutch failure that causes code P0733 on this platform.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $200-$400
• Transmission Pan and Filter Assembly (OEM #68225344AA) — The filter is integrated into the pan on the ZF 8-speed transmission and must be replaced any time the transmission is serviced.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ZF
  OEM price range: $150-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$200
• Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF (OEM #68218925AB) — This specific transmission requires a unique fluid (Mopar 8&9 Speed ATF or ZF Lifeguard 8). The correct fluid must be used when refilling after the repair.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, ZF Lifeguard 8
  OEM price range: $25-$40 per liter
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$35 per liter

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P1DA8-00 — This code for 'Incorrect Gear Ratio Clutch A B or D Defective' is explicitly mentioned in the same TSBs as P0733 and points directly to the same internal D-clutch failure.
• P1D92-00 — This code for 'Incorrect Gear Ratio - Clutch 4 Defective' is also listed in the TSBs alongside P0733, further confirming the fault lies within the D-clutch assembly.
• P0700 — This is a generic code that indicates the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault. It acts as the 'check engine light' for the transmission and will always be present with specific codes like P0733.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 21-009-25 REV. B: Links P0733, P1DA8, and P1D92 to a required D-clutch repair on vehicles with over 7,000 miles. It covers a wide range of Stellantis vehicles.
• 21-039-24 REV. B: Also links P0733-00 to clutch-related defects and outlines the repair.
• 9100390 Rev 1: A dealer communication explicitly stating that a 'D Clutch Repair Kit' is the proper fix and that transmission replacement is NOT required.
• S2621000003 / REV. A: Lists P0733 among several fault codes for various 8-speed transmissions in 2022-2023 models, confirming the widespread nature of the issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known defect in the 'D' clutch assembly is the primary cause of P0733 on this platform, as documented in TSBs like 21-009-25 REV. B.
• The issue typically manifests after the vehicle has accumulated at least 7,000 miles.
• TSB 21-009-25 REV. B specifies a labor time of 6.7 hours for the D-clutch replacement on the Charger/Challenger/300 (LD/LA/LX) platform.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Transmission Solenoid Resistance — expected: 5.0 ohms at 20°C (68°F). Failure: A reading that is significantly higher (open circuit) or lower (short circuit) than the specification.
• D-Clutch Pack Clearance — expected: ~0.030” - 0.065” (0.76mm - 1.65mm). Failure: Excessive clearance indicates worn clutch plates or other components, leading to slip. This is measured during transmission disassembly.
🎬 Watch: A complete teardown of the ZF8HP70 transmission

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH, Autel, Snap-on, AlfaOBD: Clutch Air Pressure Test — This is a definitive diagnostic step performed with the valve body removed. It uses low-pressure air applied to specific ports to physically check for leaks in the D-clutch hydraulic circuit, confirming an internal seal failure before full disassembly.
• wiTECH, Autel, Snap-on, AlfaOBD: Reset Adaptive Values / Clear Adaptive Values — This function must be performed after replacing the D-clutch assembly or valve body. It erases the TCM's stored memory of how it compensated for the old, worn parts.
• wiTECH, Autel, Snap-on, AlfaOBD: Quick Learn / Static Adaptation (STADA) — This procedure is run immediately after resetting adaptive values, while the vehicle is stationary. The scan tool commands the TCM to cycle through and re-learn the fill times and pressure points for the new clutch packs, which is critical for smooth shifting post-repair.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user Logical_Error_6200 (CDJR Tech) (2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee (platform mate with same 850RE transmission), 111k miles) — P0733 code present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Owner was considering a transmission fluid and filter service as a potential fix.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A professional technician identified the code as a definitive 'D' clutch failure based on the TSB. The tech advised that a fluid change would not fix it and the required repair was the internal D-clutch assembly replacement.
• JLWranglerForums.com user JeffBTV (2020 Jeep Wrangler JL (platform mate with same 850RE transmission)) — Shifting problems, running into 3rd gear, Check Engine Light with code P0733.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Dealer initially considered a full transmission replacement.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The manufacturer (Stellantis/FCA) corporate office denied the full transmission replacement and instructed the dealer to perform the TSB repair. The installation of the 'clutch rebuild kit' (D-clutch kit) resolved the issue.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• For this transmission code, the equivalent of a 'smoke test clean' scenario is when the transmission fluid level is correct and the fluid condition appears normal, yet the P0733 code persists. In these cases on the 2020-2023 Charger, the root cause is almost invariably the internal mechanical failure of the D-clutch assembly, as specified in manufacturer TSBs. A Reddit thread with a Chrysler technician confirms this, where he advised an owner against relying on a fluid and filter service, stating the known D-clutch failure was the true culprit that a fluid change would not solve.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68376693AA → 68376693AB — Part revisions are typically made to improve durability, address the root cause of the original failure, or consolidate components. Using the latest part number ensures the most up-to-date and robust repair.
  Heads up: The newer part number (AB) should be used for all repairs. There are no known incompatibilities; it is a direct replacement for the older part (AA).

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020-2023: For the P0733 code related to the 850RE transmission, there are no significant variations within the 2020-2023 model years. The D-clutch assembly failure and the corresponding Technical Service Bulletins apply consistently across this entire range.