P0773 on 2011-2015 Kia Sorento: Shift Solenoid 'E' Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2015 Kia SORENTO

For the 2011-2015 Kia Sorento (XM generation) with the 6-speed A6MF/A6LF automatic transmission, this code is a well-documented pattern failure. Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #TSBTRA051R1 which directly addresses P0773 and other solenoid codes. The bulletin instructs technicians to replace the solenoids, and the most common and effective repair is to replace the entire internal wire harness assembly which houses all the solenoids. This part is known to fail due to heat and fluid exposure, causing internal breaks in the solenoid circuits. This TSB confirms the issue is with the component inside the transmission, not typically external wiring or the transmission itself.

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
• Harsh, jerky, or delayed shifts
• Transmission slipping (engine RPMs rise without an increase in speed)
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (stuck in a single gear, usually 2nd or 3rd)
• Flashing gear position indicator on the instrument cluster
• Transmission overheating
• Decreased fuel economy
• Inability to shift into or out of certain gears

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Internal Transmission Wire Harness / Solenoid Assembly 🔴 High Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly This is the most common failure. TSB TSBTRA051R1 was issued due to the high failure rate of the internal harness, which contains the solenoids. The plastic and wiring become brittle from heat cycles and fluid exposure, leading to open circuits.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can test the solenoid's internal resistance with a multimeter after accessing it. The resistance for the solenoids in the A6MF transmission should be within 5.0 - 5.4 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). A reading outside this range (often an open circuit) confirms failure. The P0773 code itself is a strong indicator.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire internal transmission wire harness assembly. This part contains all the shift solenoids and is the most reliable fix. The OEM part number is typically 46313-3B030 or a similar variant.
   Est. part cost: $90-$200
2. Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly While not specific to this vehicle, low or contaminated fluid can cause poor hydraulic pressure and solenoid overheating or malfunction. Many owners neglect fluid changes on 'sealed for life' transmissions, leading to premature wear.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be at the correct level, red in color, and free of debris or a burnt smell. This transmission does not have a dipstick, requiring a specific lift and plug procedure to check the fluid level at the correct temperature (122°F-140°F).
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid drain and fill using the correct Kia SP-IV fluid. If the fluid is heavily contaminated, a more thorough flush may be needed, but this is often done in conjunction with replacing the harness.
   Est. part cost: $80-$160
3. Wiring or Connector Issue (External) ⚪ Low Probability Less common than internal failure, but the main transmission connector or wiring leading to the TCM can be damaged by road debris or corrosion.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the external wiring harness and connectors between the TCM and the transmission for damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Perform a continuity test on the wiring from the TCM to the transmission case connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or replace the faulty connector.
   Est. part cost: $20-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly This is rare. A faulty TCM usually triggers multiple, often erratic, trouble codes, not just a single solenoid code. Always eliminate all other possibilities before considering the TCM.
• Defective Transmission Valve Body: → Shop Transmission Valve Body The valve body houses the solenoids and has intricate hydraulic passages. A blockage or crack in a passage related to solenoid 'E' could cause this code, but it's much less common than the solenoid harness itself failing.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code with a reliable OBD-II scanner.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. This requires lifting the vehicle and removing the check plug while the transmission fluid is between 122-140°F (50-60°C). Note the color and smell of the fluid.
3. Inspect the external transmission housing, pan, and wiring for any obvious damage or leaks.
4. Drop the transmission pan to access the valve body and solenoid harness.
5. Visually inspect the internal wiring harness and connectors for any signs of damage, brittleness, or corrosion.
6. Locate Shift Solenoid 'E' (SS-A). A service manual or diagram is required for correct identification.
7. Test the solenoid's resistance using a multimeter. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specification of 5.0-5.4 Ohms. An open or out-of-spec reading confirms failure.
8. If the solenoid tests bad, it is highly recommended to replace the entire wire harness assembly (Part No. ~46313-3B030) rather than a single solenoid.
9. If the solenoid tests good, check the wiring for continuity between the TCM and the transmission connector to rule out an external wiring issue.
10. If wiring and the solenoid are good, the issue may be a clogged valve body or, rarely, the TCM itself.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Internal Wire Harness / Solenoid Assembly (OEM #46313-3B030 (Verify with VIN, may supersede 46313-3B020)) — This is the primary failure point. It includes all shift solenoids and the internal wiring that becomes brittle. Replacing the whole assembly is the standard, reliable fix.
  Trusted brands: Kia/Hyundai (OEM)
  OEM price range: $120-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $90-$150
• Transmission Filter Kit (Filter and Pan Gasket) (OEM #46321-2F000 (Filter), 45285-3B010 (Gasket, if not using RTV)) — The transmission pan must be removed to access the solenoids, so replacing the filter and gasket is required during the repair.
  Trusted brands: Kia (OEM), WIX, ATP
  OEM price range: $40-$70
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$40
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (SP-IV) (OEM #UM040-CH020 (or equivalent SP-IV rated fluid)) — The fluid must be drained to perform the repair and will need to be replaced with 5-6 quarts of the correct type (SP-IV). Using the wrong fluid can cause damage.
  Trusted brands: Kia/Hyundai (OEM), Valvoline MaxLife, Idemitsu TLS-LV
  OEM price range: $18-$25 per quart
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$18 per quart

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768 — These are codes for other shift solenoids ('A', 'B', 'C', 'D'). Kia TSB TSBTRA051R1 groups these codes with P0773, confirming a common failure pattern within the same internal wire harness/solenoid assembly.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSBTRA051R1: This is the key document. It covers multiple 2011-2014 Kia models with the 6-speed automatic. It lists P0773 along with a host of other solenoid codes and explicitly advises replacing the solenoids if codes are present, rather than replacing the entire transaxle. It confirms this is a known component-level issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Repair Experience: 2011 Sorento at 105k Miles: An owner on kia-forums.com reported getting P0773 and P0768 codes. The vehicle would shift harshly and sometimes get stuck in 3rd gear. An independent shop replaced the internal wire harness assembly for around $750 total, which resolved all issues. The original harness showed visible signs of cracking on the solenoid connectors.
• DIY Repair Story: 2013 Sorento: A user on Sorento Nation forums detailed their DIY repair. They purchased the OEM harness (46313-3B030) online for ~$150, along with a filter kit and 6 quarts of Valvoline MaxLife ATF. The total cost was under $250. They noted the hardest part was working in a tight space and ensuring the valve body mating surface was clean before reinstalling the pan. The repair took approximately 5 hours and fixed the check engine light and limp mode.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Variable Force Solenoid (VFS) Coil Resistance — expected: 5.1 Ohms. Failure: A reading of infinity (open circuit) or significantly outside this value.
• On/Off Solenoid Coil Resistance — expected: ~10-11 Ohms. Failure: A reading of infinity (open circuit) or significantly outside this value.
• Solenoid Circuit Voltage at TCM — expected: 9-12 Volts (when commanded ON). Failure: Significant deviation from this range indicates a wiring or TCM issue.
• TCM Ground Path Resistance — expected: < 0.1 Ohms. Failure: A higher reading indicates a poor ground connection, which can cause erratic electrical behavior.
• Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Voltage — expected: ~3.2V at 104°F (40°C) to ~0.29V at 302°F (150°C). Failure: Voltage outside the expected range for a given temperature can affect shift logic, though it may not directly cause P0773.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System) / KDS: Actuation Test — After confirming the code, a technician can use the actuation test to manually command Shift Solenoid 'E' on and off. This helps verify if the solenoid clicks and if the TCM is capable of sending the signal, isolating the fault between the TCM, wiring, and the solenoid itself.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• 91865-2P530 — This is the OEM part number for the 'WIRING ASSY - TRANSMISSION GROUND' on 2012-2014 Sorento models.. A faulty or corroded transmission ground strap can cause a host of electrical issues, including intermittent or persistent solenoid circuit codes like P0773. Ensuring this ground connection is clean and secure is a critical step in diagnosing electrical faults.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 46313-3B020 → 46313-3B030 — Manufacturer revision to improve durability and address the known failure mode of the original part.
  Heads up: The newer part (46313-3B030) is the correct and recommended replacement for any vehicle that used the older part number. There are no known incompatibility issues when upgrading.