P0762 on 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey: Shift Solenoid 'C' Stuck On Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey

For the 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey, the shift solenoids are typically located on the exterior of the transmission case. This design makes them significantly more accessible for testing and replacement compared to transmissions where the solenoids are located inside the transmission pan and require removal of the valve body. The 6-speed automatic transmission in these models is designated as BYKA.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Harsh or jerky shifting
• Delayed gear engagement
• Transmission slipping between gears
• Vehicle stuck in a single gear (limp mode)
• Poor acceleration or sluggish performance
• Check Engine Light is on
• Increased fuel consumption

Most Likely Causes

1. Low, Dirty, or Incorrect Transmission Fluid 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly Over time, transmission fluid breaks down and can become contaminated with clutch material and metal shavings. This debris can physically jam the small plunger inside the shift solenoid, causing it to stick. Honda has also noted that on some models, the fluid can deteriorate quicker than expected under high heat loads, leading to issues like torque converter judder, which highlights the fluid's sensitivity.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition using the dipstick. The fluid should be at the correct level, pinkish-red, and smell clean. If it's low, dark brown/black, or has a burnt smell, it needs to be changed. Draining some fluid through a strainer can reveal metal debris, indicating more serious internal wear.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill using the correct Honda Genuine ATF-DW1 fluid. If the fluid is heavily contaminated, multiple drain-and-fills may be necessary to exchange a sufficient amount of the old fluid.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80 for fluid
2. Faulty Shift Solenoid 'C' 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Valve Body The solenoid can fail electrically (internal short in the coil) or mechanically (plunger gets stuck from debris or wear). An electrical short can cause the solenoid to remain energized constantly, leading to the 'Stuck On' condition.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can use a diagnostic tool like the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to command the solenoid on and off while listening for a 'click'. The solenoid's resistance can also be tested with a multimeter, or it can be removed and bench-tested by applying power and checking for plunger movement.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty Shift Solenoid 'C' and its gasket. Given its external location, this is a more straightforward repair than on many other vehicles.
   Est. part cost: $100-$200 for an OEM solenoid
3. Damaged Wiring or Connectors 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness leading to the transmission can become damaged from heat, vibration, or road debris. A short-to-power in the circuit can keep the solenoid energized.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage, chafing, or corrosion at the connectors. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and shorts in the wiring between the TCM and the solenoid.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50 for wiring repair supplies

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is a rare cause. The internal driver circuit for solenoid 'C' can fail, causing it to send a constant 'on' signal. This should only be considered after all other possibilities have been ruled out.
• Internal Transmission Failure: → Shop Transmission Assembly If significant metal debris is found in the transmission fluid, it indicates a more severe internal problem like clutch pack failure. In this case, simply replacing the solenoid will not fix the root cause, and a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
• Clogged Transmission Filter or Restricted Hydraulic Passages: → Shop Transmission Assembly A clogged filter or blocked passages in the valve body can disrupt hydraulic pressure and contribute to solenoid issues.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. If low, top it off. If dirty or burnt, perform a drain and fill.
2. Use a professional scan tool to read freeze frame data and check for other related transmission codes.
3. Clear the code and test drive the vehicle to see if the code returns.
4. If the code returns, use the scan tool's diagnostic functions to command Shift Solenoid 'C' on and off. Listen for an audible click from the solenoid.
5. Visually inspect the wiring and connector for Shift Solenoid 'C' for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. If the solenoid does not click or the wiring is intact, test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specifications.
7. If the solenoid and wiring test good, the issue may be with the valve body or, in rare cases, the TCM.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Shift Solenoid 'C' (OEM #28250-R97-004) — This solenoid is the most likely component to fail, either electrically or mechanically, causing the P0762 code. Note: Part number 28250-R97-004 is often listed as 'Solenoid Assembly, Linear' or 'Linear Solenoid A' in catalogs, but is associated with shift functions. Fitment should be verified with VIN. 🎬 Watch: How to troubleshoot and replace Shift Solenoid C
  Trusted brands: Honda (OEM), Beck Arnley, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $100-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$150
• Honda Genuine ATF-DW1 Transmission Fluid (OEM #08200-9008) — Low or contaminated fluid is a primary cause of solenoid failure. A fluid change is a critical first step in diagnosis and repair. Using non-Honda ATF can negatively affect shift quality.
  Trusted brands: Honda (OEM)
  OEM price range: $10-$15 per quart
• Transmission Filter — If the fluid is being changed due to contamination, the filter should also be replaced to ensure the new fluid stays clean.
  Trusted brands: Honda (OEM), Wix, ATP
  OEM price range: $30-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — P0700 is a general transmission fault code that indicates the TCM has stored a specific trouble code, in this case, P0762.
• P0761, P0763, P0764 — These codes are all related to Shift Solenoid 'C'. P0761 indicates 'Stuck Off', while P0763 and P0764 indicate electrical or intermittent faults with the same solenoid.
• P0741 — This code for 'Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off' can sometimes be seen alongside solenoid codes, as solenoid issues can affect the operation of the torque converter clutch. A YouTube video on a 2012 Odyssey with a BYKA transmission showed a P0741 code that required a torque converter replacement.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 17-043: Addresses a 'judder' from the torque converter lock-up clutch felt between 20-60 mph on 2014-2017 Odysseys. Honda found the cause to be deteriorated transmission fluid, not a faulty torque converter. The fix involves a PCM software update and potentially flushing the transmission fluid. While not directly for P0762, it highlights the transmission's sensitivity to fluid condition.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Shift Solenoid 'C' Resistance — expected: 13.8 - 17.1 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range (e.g., 0 Ohms for a short, infinite/O.L. for an open circuit) indicates a failed solenoid coil.
• Shift Solenoid 'C' Circuit Continuity — expected: 0 Ohms. Failure: Significant resistance or an open circuit (infinite/O.L.) points to a break or corrosion in the wiring harness between the TCM and the solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda Diagnostic System (HDS): Miscellaneous Test Menu -> Shift Solenoid Valve C — This bidirectional control is used to command the solenoid on and off after fluid and wiring have been checked. The technician listens for an audible 'click' from the solenoid. The absence of a click confirms a mechanical or electrical failure of the solenoid itself, validating its replacement.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Transmission-to-Body Ground Strap — A braided ground cable typically running from a bolt on the transmission case to a bolt on the vehicle's frame rail or chassis.. A corroded or loose main transmission ground can cause erratic electrical behavior for all transmission sensors and solenoids, potentially leading to incorrect operation and fault codes like P0762. Ensuring this connection is clean and tight is a crucial step in diagnosing any transmission electrical issue.
• Shift Solenoid 'C' Connector — On the exterior of the transmission case, part of a larger connector for the solenoid assembly. The wire for solenoid 'C' is typically Green (GRN).. This is the primary point for testing voltage and resistance of the solenoid and its circuit. Damage, corrosion, or fluid intrusion at this connector can directly cause the P0762 code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Go-Parts Repair Database (2013 Honda Odyssey at 110K miles) — Check Engine Light on with code P0762.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed to the solenoid.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner first performed a transmission fluid drain and fill. After the fluid service, the code was cleared and did not return, indicating the issue was caused by fluid condition rather than a hard part failure.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 28250-R97-003 → 28250-R97-004 — Standard part revision by the manufacturer for improvements or supplier changes.
  Heads up: The newer part number (28250-R97-004) is the correct service replacement for the original.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2013 (LX, EX, EX-L): These models were equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
• 2011-2013 (Touring, Touring Elite) and 2014-2017 (All trims): These models came standard with the 6-speed automatic transmission (BYKA). The 2014 model year refresh made the 6-speed standard across the entire lineup. While the P0762 code applies to both, internal components and specific solenoid locations may differ slightly between the 5-speed and 6-speed units.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• VCM-Related Oil Consumption & Misfires 🔴 High — Common issue leading to fouled spark plugs (especially on cylinders 1-4) and potential piston ring damage. A class-action lawsuit was filed, and Honda has issued warranty extensions (e.g., TSB 25-061) covering repairs. (Ref: TSB 25-061)
• Torque Converter Judder/Shudder 🟠 Medium — A widely reported vibration or shudder felt during light acceleration between 20-60 mph. Honda identified the cause as prematurely deteriorated ATF, not a faulty torque converter. (Ref: TSB 17-043)
• Electric Sliding Door Failures 🟠 Medium — A very common complaint where the electric sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, often due to a broken or frayed cable in the mechanism.
• Warped Front Brake Rotors 🟡 Low — Owners frequently report vibrations or steering wheel shaking when braking, caused by premature warping of the front brake rotors.
• VCM Oil Leak (Spool Valve/VVT Strainer) 🟠 Medium — The VCM system's spool valve assembly is prone to leaking oil, which can drip onto the alternator below and cause it to fail prematurely.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used OEM shift solenoid assembly from a low-mileage donor vehicle can be a cost-effective alternative to a new OEM part, especially if the budget is tight. Given that these are external to the transmission, they are relatively easy to access and replace at a junkyard.

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

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the donor vehicle's mileage if possible.
• Inspect the electrical connector pins for any signs of corrosion, bending, or damage.
• Check the solenoid screens (if visible) for excessive metal debris, which would indicate the donor transmission had internal issues.
• Ensure the plastic housing of the solenoid is not cracked or showing signs of extreme heat exposure.

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

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) - Due to the need for specific software programming matched to the vehicle's VIN, a new or professionally remanufactured and programmed unit is highly recommended over a used one.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Standard Motor Products (SMP)
• Beck Arnley
• WVE/NTK

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name solenoids from online marketplaces should be avoided, as their coil windings and internal valve tolerances may not meet OEM specifications, leading to premature failure or poor shift quality.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0301 — Engine misfire code (Cylinder 1) related to VCM issues on 2013-2017 models; severe engine performance issues can sometimes be misdiagnosed alongside transmission codes.
• P0302 — Engine misfire code (Cylinder 2) associated with the same VCM-related oil consumption issues mentioned in TSB 25-061.
• P0303 — Engine misfire code (Cylinder 3) frequently cited in Odyssey forums regarding fouled spark plugs and VCM system failure.
• P0304 — Engine misfire code (Cylinder 4) which, along with P0301-P0303, is covered under Honda's VCM-related warranty extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions