P0733 on 2006-2010 Jeep Commander 5.7L Hemi: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2006-2010 Jeep Commander

The 2006-2010 Jeep Commander with the 5.7L Hemi V8 is equipped with the 5-speed 545RFE automatic transmission. Unlike newer Jeeps with 8-speed transmissions that have TSBs for internal clutch failures for this code, the 545RFE's issues are more commonly electronic. The most frequent causes are faulty and easily accessible external speed sensors or a replaceable solenoid pack located inside the transmission pan. This makes diagnosis more straightforward and often less expensive than a major internal repair.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (stuck in one gear)
• Harsh or delayed shifting, particularly into 3rd gear
• Transmission slipping (engine RPMs rise without an increase in speed)
• Inability to shift into 3rd gear
• Vehicle feels sluggish or has a lack of power
• Poor fuel economy

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Input and/or Output Speed Sensor(s) 🔴 High Probability Failure of the transmission speed sensors is a very common issue on the 545RFE transmission and can directly cause incorrect ratio codes without any actual mechanical slip. These sensors provide critical data for shift control.
   How to confirm: Scan for other codes like P0715 (Input Speed Sensor) or P0720 (Output Speed Sensor). The sensors are located externally on the driver's side of the transmission case. The output sensor is the rearmost of the two. A diagnostic scan tool can monitor the live data from both sensors to check for erratic signals or dropouts.
   Typical fix: Replace both the input and output speed sensors. They are the same part and held in by a single bolt each, making it a simple repair. It is 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step speed sensor replacement guide highly recommended to replace them as a pair.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid (ATF) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The 545RFE requires a specific fluid (ATF+4) to function correctly. Low fluid levels reduce hydraulic pressure, while old, burnt, or contaminated fluid can cause solenoids to stick and clutches to slip.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick (engine running, in neutral, on a level surface). Note the color and smell of the fluid. It should be bright red and not smell burnt. If it is dark brown/black or has a burnt odor, it needs to be changed.
   Typical fix: Top off the fluid if low. If the fluid is dirty or burnt, perform a transmission fluid and filter change. The 545RFE has two filters (a spin-on filter and a pan filter) that should be replaced. Use only Mopar 🎬 See: Jeep Commander transmission fluid and filter change ATF+4 or equivalent certified fluid.
   Est. part cost: $75-$150
3. Failed Transmission Solenoid Pack 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly The solenoid pack, which controls hydraulic pressure and shifting, is a known failure point on the 545RFE transmission. Electronic failure within the pack can prevent the proper engagement of 3rd gear.
   How to confirm: This is typically diagnosed after ruling out fluid and sensor issues. A professional scan tool can sometimes detect solenoid circuit faults. The part is located inside the transmission, mounted to the valve body, so visual inspection requires dropping the transmission pan.
   Typical fix: Replace the solenoid pack. This requires draining the fluid, dropping the pan, and removing the valve body to access the pack. It's a moderately difficult DIY job but well-documented. Many owners successfully perform this repair. 🎬 Watch: DIY 545RFE solenoid pack replacement walkthrough
   Est. part cost: $200-$350

Rare But Worth Checking

• Internal Mechanical Failure: This is the least likely but most severe cause. If the transmission fluid is full of metal shavings, this indicates a serious internal problem like a worn clutch pack, damaged planetary gear set, or failed check ball in the valve body. This requires a professional transmission rebuild or replacement.
• Wiring Harness Damage: Damage to the wiring leading to the speed sensors or the main transmission connector can cause intermittent signals and trigger this code. Check the harness for any signs of fraying, melting, or corrosion, especially near the hot exhaust components.
• Faulty Powertrain or Transmission Control Module (PCM/TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly In rare cases, the control module itself can fail, causing it to misinterpret sensor data and set false codes. This should only be considered after all other possibilities, including wiring, have been exhaustively checked.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ensure it is full and clean. Use only Mopar ATF+4 fluid.
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any other pending or active trouble codes, especially for speed sensors (P0715, P0716, P0720) or other gear ratios (P0731, P0732).
3. If speed sensor codes are present, or if no other codes are present, replace both the input and output speed sensors. They are located on the driver's side of the transmission and are a common, inexpensive fix.
4. Inspect the wiring harness leading to the transmission for any signs of melting, chafing, or corrosion, particularly near the exhaust.
5. Clear the codes and perform a test drive. If the P0733 code returns, the issue is likely not the sensors.
6. The next step is to inspect and likely replace the transmission solenoid pack. This involves draining the fluid, dropping the transmission pan, and removing the valve body.
7. While the pan is off, inspect the fluid and the pan magnet for excessive metal debris. A fine metallic paste is normal, but large chunks or a large quantity of shavings indicate a severe internal mechanical failure.
8. If replacing the solenoid pack does not resolve the issue, the problem is likely internal to the valve body or a mechanical clutch failure, which requires professional transmission service.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Input/Output Speed Sensor (OEM #4799061AB) — This is the most common and easiest-to-fix cause of P0733 on the 545RFE transmission. The input and output sensors are the same part. It is highly recommended to replace them as a pair.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products (SMP), NTK
  OEM price range: $40-$60 each
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$40 each
• Transmission Solenoid Pack (Block) (OEM #5170877AF (superseded by 68353383AC)) — This is the second most likely cause after speed sensors. The solenoid pack is a known failure item that controls shifting. The original part number 5170877AF has been superseded by Mopar part 68353383AC.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $250-$350
  Aftermarket price range: $180-$250
• Transmission Filter Kit (Pan & Spin-on) (OEM #5013470AC (Kit)) — Required for any job that involves dropping the transmission pan, such as replacing the solenoid pack. The 545RFE uses two filters which should both be changed.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Wix, ATP
  OEM price range: $40-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — This is a generic code that simply means the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has stored a fault. It will almost always be present alongside a specific code like P0733.
• P0731 — Indicates 'Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio'. If seen with P0733, it points to a more widespread problem, possibly with the input/output speed sensors or the solenoid pack affecting multiple gears.
• P0720 — Indicates a fault with the Output Speed Sensor circuit. If this code is present with P0733, it's a very strong indication that the output speed sensor is the root cause.
• P0716 — Indicates a fault with the Input Speed Sensor circuit. Similar to P0720, its presence strongly points towards the input speed sensor being the culprit for the P0733 code.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Experience: Speed Sensor Fix: A user on JeepCommander.com with a 2006 5.7L reported getting the P0733 code and experiencing limp mode. After replacing both the input and output speed sensors (Mopar part 4799061AB), the problem was completely resolved. The repair was described as simple, taking less than an hour.
• Owner Experience: Solenoid Pack Replacement: → Shop Transmission Valve Body On CommanderPlanet.com, an owner of a 2007 Commander 5.7L chased the P0733 code. After replacing the speed sensors didn't work, they dropped the transmission

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Solenoid Pack Coil Resistance — expected: 1.0-3.0 Ohms for most shift solenoids (L/R, 2C, 4C, OD, UD).. Failure: A reading outside of the 1-3 Ohm range, or over 5.0 Ohms, indicates a failed solenoid coil. Some sources state a general range of 10-30 ohms, but more specific documents point to ~1.3 Ohms for most individual solenoids.
• Solenoid Pack Pressure Control Solenoid Resistance — expected: ~4.9 Ohms. Failure: A significant deviation from 4.9 Ohms indicates a fault in the pressure control solenoid within the pack.
• Input/Output Speed Sensor Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 5.0 Ohms. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms on the signal or ground circuit indicates an open or high-resistance wire in the harness.
• Solenoid Pack Mounting Bolt Torque — expected: 50 in-lbs (5.6 Nm). Failure: Incorrect torque can lead to leaks or damage to the solenoid body.
• Valve Body Mounting Bolt Torque — expected: 105 in-lbs (11.8 Nm). Failure: Incorrect or uneven torque can cause valve body warping, leading to internal leaks and shifting issues.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., WiTech, Snap-on, Launch): Quick Learn Procedure — A Quick Learn or transmission relearn procedure is highly recommended after replacing the solenoid pack or the entire valve body. This function allows the TCM to quickly adapt to the new electronic components and clutch fill volumes, preventing harsh shifting or premature wear that might occur while the system self-adapts over time. This is not necessary for a simple fluid change.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission Main Connector (20-way) — On the driver's side of the transmission case, above the pan rail.. This is the main electrical interface for the entire transmission, including the input/output speed sensors and the solenoid pack. Corrosion or damage here can cause P0733 and other transmission codes. The white locking bar must be released to unplug it.
• Input/Output Speed Sensors — Externally on the driver's side of the transmission case. The input sensor is the front-most of the two, and the output sensor is the rearmost.. These sensors provide the core data for calculating gear ratios. Their signals travel through the main harness to the PCM. The signal circuit is pin T52 and the ground is pin T13 in the harness.
• G100 — Left rear of the engine compartment.. This is a primary engine bay ground point. A poor connection here can cause a variety of electrical issues, including erratic sensor readings for the powertrain.
• G200 — Under the center console, near the shifter assembly.. This is a major interior ground point that services multiple modules, including the Body Control Module (BCM) and potentially circuits related to the transmission control system. A loose G200 is known to cause widespread electronic issues in Jeeps of this era.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel '2007 jeep commander 5.7L P0731 P0732 P0733 P0716' (2007 Jeep Commander 5.7L) — Vehicle would not shift into overdrive on the highway, RPMs were stuck around 4,000 at highway speeds. It was skipping 2nd and 4th gear, shifting hard from 1st to 3rd.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner replaced only the input speed sensor (the front-most of the two sensors on the driver's side of the transmission), which resolved all four gear ratio codes (P0731, P0732, P0733, P0716).
• Instructables guide 'Dodge (5)45RFE Solenoid Pack Replacement' (Dodge vehicle with 545RFE (same transmission)) — Check Engine Light with code P0750 (Shift Solenoid 'A' Malfunction).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner replaced the entire solenoid pack, which is not serviceable individually. The repair involved dropping the pan and valve body and took about 2 hours. This fixed the code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5170877AF (and AA, AB, AC, AD variants) → 68353383AC — The original black connector solenoid pack was updated to a more reliable white connector design.
  Heads up: The updated white connector solenoid pack (68353383AC) is the correct service replacement for all 1999-up 45RFE/545RFE applications and replaces all previous part numbers.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• HEMI Lifter Tick / Camshaft Failure 🔴 High — Common, especially on engines with higher mileage or inconsistent oil change history. Often starts as a light tick on cold starts and can progress to a persistent noise.
• Leaking Sunroof Drains 🟠 Medium — Extremely common across all model years. Often occurs after a few years as drain tubes clog with debris. (Ref: Subject of a class-action lawsuit (Cox et al v. Chrysler Group LLC).)
• Front Differential Mount Bushing Failure 🟠 Medium — Common on 4WD models, especially those over 75,000 miles or with suspension lifts.
• Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts 🟡 Low — Frequently occurs on the 5.7L Hemi due to heat cycles. The rearmost bolts are most susceptible.
• Electronic Throttle Body Failures 🟠 Medium — A known issue that can occur at various mileages, often without warning.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: Given the high failure rate of the electronic components, sourcing used parts for this repair is generally not recommended. A used speed sensor or solenoid pack carries a significant risk of being faulty or having limited remaining life. The cost savings are minimal compared to the labor involved if the used part fails.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a solenoid pack, there is no reliable way to visually inspect its internal condition.
• For speed sensors, check for physical damage, cracks in the plastic, or corrosion on the connector pins.
• Ask for the donor vehicle's history; avoid parts from vehicles that had known transmission failure or were in floods.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Transmission Solenoid Pack: While some aftermarket options exist, Mopar OEM is the most reliable choice to ensure compatibility and longevity. Many forum users report issues with cheaper aftermarket solenoid packs failing prematurely.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• NTK or Standard Motor Products (SMP) for Input/Output Speed Sensors.
• Wix or ATP for transmission filter kits.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name solenoid packs from online marketplaces are a significant gamble and a common source of unresolved shifting issues.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0715 — Input Speed Sensor Circuit malfunction; failure of this sensor is a common cause of incorrect ratio codes like P0733 on the 545RFE transmission.
• P0720 — Output Speed Sensor Circuit malfunction; this sensor provides critical data for shift control and often fails alongside the input sensor.
• P0731 — Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio; often checked alongside P0733 when diagnosing general transmission slipping or speed sensor issues.
• P0732 — Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio; another gear ratio code that may appear if the speed sensors or solenoid pack are failing to manage shifts correctly.
• P0716 — Input Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance; a companion code often found during a diagnostic scan when speed sensors provide erratic signals.

Frequently Asked Questions