P0746 on Nissan: what to do if the Check Engine Light comes on?

Error code P0746 on cars Nissan - one of the most common problems in automatic transmissions. It indicates a malfunction torque converter (aka “donut”), which is responsible for smooth gear shifting and transmission of torque from the engine to the transmission. If you see this code on the scanner or light up Check Engine, the problem cannot be ignored: the consequences can vary from loss of dynamics to complete failure of the automatic transmission.

In this article we will look at what exactly it means P0746, what symptoms accompany it, and - most importantly - how to fix the problem yourself or at minimal cost. The material is based on the experience of the owners Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, Teana and other popular models, as well as recommendations from service technicians. We will pay special attention to diagnostics without expensive equipment and typical mistakes during repairs.

What does P0746 mean on Nissan?

Code P0746 stands for "Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off" — a problem with the operation of the pressure control solenoid in the torque converter. Translated into simple language: the transmission control unit (TCU) detects that the solenoid is not creating the necessary oil pressure to lock the torque converter. This leads to:

• 🔄 Slipping during acceleration (especially noticeable at speeds of 60–90 km/h).
• 🚗 Jerks when changing gears (usually from 1st to 2nd or from 3rd to 4th).
• 🔥 Transmission overheating due to increased friction in the torque converter.
• ⚠️ Emergency mode Automatic transmission (the box “freezes” in one gear).

It is important to understand that P0746 - this is not a sentence, but a signal about the need for diagnosis. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved by changing the automatic transmission oil or cleaning the solenoids; in the rest, the torque converter needs to be repaired or its components replaced. On models Nissan with CVTs (for example, Juke or Note) This code may indicate belt wear or a faulty pump wheel.

⚠️ Attention: If codes appear along with P0746 P0730 (incorrect gear ratio) or P0740 (problems with torque converter locking), the likelihood of mechanical wear of automatic transmission parts increases to 70%. In this case, independent repair is not recommended.

Reasons for error P0746

Experts highlight 5 main reasons, according to which Nissan an error occurs P0746. They can be divided into two groups: related to electrical/electronics and with mechanical problems. Let's look at each in detail.

Fault type	Specific reason	Frequency of occurrence
Electrics	Pressure solenoid malfunction (jammed or burnt out)	45%
Electrics	Open or short circuit in solenoid wiring	20%
Mechanics	Worn torque converter friction discs	25%
Mechanics	Contamination of the automatic transmission oil (wear products, metal shavings)	50%
Electronics	Transmission control unit (TCU) firmware failure	10%

The most insidious reason is contaminated oil. In automatic transmission Nissan (especially on models older than 2015) transmission fluid is often used NS-2 or NS-3, which over time loses its properties and accumulates wear products. This leads to jamming of the solenoids or their incorrect operation. For example, on Nissan X-Trail T31 with mileage over 150 thousand km error P0746 in 60% of cases it occurs precisely because of oil.

Another common problem is torque converter wear. Inside the “donut” there are paddle wheels and a locking clutch, which wear out over time. If during acceleration you hear metallic clang or feel vibration, the torque converter will most likely need to be repaired or replaced.

P0746 Symptoms: How to Recognize the Problem?

Error P0746 rarely appears “on its own” - it is usually accompanied by noticeable changes in the behavior of the car. Here key symptoms, which are worth paying attention to:

• 🚦 Jerks when shifting gears, especially when cold or during sudden acceleration.
• 🔥 Transmission overheating (can be noticed by the characteristic smell of burnt oil).
• 🛑 Sunbathing Check Engine and the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode (usually “freezes” in 3rd gear).
• 📉 Power Loss when overtaking or going uphill (the engine “does not pull”).
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds from the automatic transmission area: hum, grinding or vibration.

On models with a CVT (for example, Nissan Juke or Qashqai J11) error P0746 often manifests itself as jerking when accelerating at speeds of 40–60 km/h. This is due to the fact that the variator tries to compensate for the malfunction of the torque converter, but does so unevenly. If you notice that the car accelerates worse, and the engine speed “jumps” for no reason, this is a reason to check the solenoids and oil in the transmission.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Teana J32 And Maxima A35 error P0746 may masquerade as problems with the throttle valve. If the diagnostics shows simultaneously P0746 And P0120 (throttle malfunction), check the transmission first - often the problem lies there.

Diagnosing error P0746: step-by-step instructions

Before going to the service center, you can check primary diagnosis on your own. For this you will need:

• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327 or Launch CReader).
• 🛠️ A set of keys for checking the oil level in an automatic transmission.
• 🔍 Flashlight for inspecting solenoids wiring.

Step 1: Count all errors from the control unit. If in addition P0746 there are other codes (for example, P0700 or P0841), this will narrow down the troubleshooting area. For example, P0841 indicates problems with oil pressure in the transmission, which indirectly confirms a solenoid malfunction.

Step 2: Check the oil level and condition in automatic transmission. On most Nissan this is done through the dipstick (on models with a variator - through the inspection hole). The oil should be:

• 🟢 Clean (no black particles or metal shavings).
• 🟡 No burning smell.
• 🔴 On a level between MIN And MAX (check on a warm box!).

Step 3: Inspect the solenoid wiring. On Nissan X-Trail T31 And Qashqai J10 The solenoid block is located under the automatic transmission pan. Check:

• 🔌 Integrity of connectors (no oxidation or breaks).
• 📶 Solenoid resistance (should be within 10–20 Ohms; checked with a multimeter).

Step 4: Test the operation of the torque converter. To do this:

1. Start the car and let it warm up.
2. Apply the brake and move the selector to position D.
3. Slowly add gas to 2000 rpm. If the speed “fails” or the engine stalls, the torque converter is not blocked.

How to check the solenoid without removing the pan?

If you do not have experience in disassembling automatic transmissions, you can try to “ring” the solenoid through the control unit connector. On most Nissans, the pressure solenoid contacts are pins 5 and 12 in the TCU connector (see your model's wiring diagram for exact details).

How to fix error code P0746: from simple to complex

Repair methods depend on the cause of the problem. Let's start with the simplest and cheapest methods:

1. Changing the automatic transmission oil

If the oil is contaminated or its level is below normal, complete replacement (with removing the pan and washing the solenoids) solves the problem in 40% of cases. For Nissan It is recommended to use the original fluid:

• 🔴 NS-2 — for automatic transmission models up to 2010.
• 🟢 NS-3 — for automatic transmissions and CVTs after 2010.

Oil volume for a complete change: 8–10 liters (for CVTs - up to 12 liters). After replacement, be sure to reset the automatic transmission adaptations using the diagnostic scanner!

2. Clean or replace the pressure solenoid

If the solenoid is clogged, it can be washed in an ultrasonic bath or replaced. On Nissan The pressure solenoid is often included in the solenoid block (article, for example, 31397-31X0A for X-Trail T31). Cost of a new unit: 15–25 thousand rubles. When replacing, pay attention to the O-rings - they also need to be updated.

3. Repair or replacement of the torque converter

If the problem is in the mechanical part of the donut, it will need to be repaired. Average cost of work:

• 🔧 Replacement of friction discs: 8–12 thousand rubles.
• 🔄 Complete overhaul of the torque converter: 20–30 thousand rubles.
• 🆕 New torque converter: 35–50 thousand rubles (original).

On models with a CVT (for example, Nissan Juke) often requires replacement variator belt and pump wheel. It will cost 40–60 thousand rubles including work.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Teana J32 And Maxima A35 with engines VQ35DE error P0746 may occur due to a faulty automatic transmission oil temperature sensor. Before repairing the torque converter, check this sensor (part number 32535-4M000).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan are faced with the fact that after repair there is an error P0746 returns. This occurs due to typical errors:

1. Incomplete oil change. If you simply add oil or make a partial replacement, dirt will remain in the system and quickly clog the solenoids again. Solution: use method "full flush" with automatic transmission radiator flushing.
2. Ignoring adaptations. After changing the oil or solenoids, you need to reset the automatic transmission adaptations via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431 or Autel). Without this, the control unit will operate in “emergency” mode.
3. Installation of non-original solenoids. Cheap analogues often have different resistance, which leads to incorrect operation. Solution: buy solenoids with the part number corresponding to your model (for example, 31397-1XF0A for Teana J32).
4. Failure to check wiring. An open or short circuit in the solenoid harness can simulate a malfunction. Solution: test the wiring with a multimeter before replacing parts.

Another common mistake is replacing only the pressure solenoidwhen the problem lies in the torque converter itself. For example, on Nissan Pathfinder R51 with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, wear of the donut clutches is almost always accompanied by an error P0746. In this case, replacing the solenoid will give a temporary effect (1-2 months), after which the problem will return.

Cost of repairs in service vs. do-it-yourself repair

Prices for fixing errors P0746 vary greatly depending on the cause and vehicle model. Below is the approximate cost of work in services in Moscow and the regions (for 2026):

Type of work	Cost (Moscow)	Cost (regions)	Difficulty (1–5)
Diagnostics (scanner + oil check)	1 500–2 500 ₽	1 000–1 800 ₽	1
Automatic transmission oil change (full)	4 000–6 000 ₽	3 000–4 500 ₽	2
Pressure Solenoid Replacement	8 000–12 000 ₽	6 000–9 000 ₽	3
Torque converter repair	20 000–35 000 ₽	15 000–25 000 ₽	5
Replacing the torque converter (new)	45 000–70 000 ₽	35 000–50 000 ₽	4

Do-it-yourself repairs will be cheaper, but require skills. For example, changing the oil in an automatic transmission yourself will cost 3–5 thousand rubles (cost of oil + filter), and replacing a solenoid will cost 5–8 thousand rubles (price of the part + pan gasket). However, to repair a torque converter without experience, it is better to contact a service center: an error in the assembly can lead to complete failure of the automatic transmission.

On models with a CVT (for example, Nissan Qashqai J11) self-repair is not recommended: the variator requires precise adjustment and special equipment to check the oil pressure.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P0746

Is it possible to drive with P0746?

Short-term - yes, but no more than 1-2 weeks. Driving for a long time with this error leads to:

• 🔥 Overheating of the automatic transmission and accelerated wear of the friction clutches.
• 💥 Torque converter breakdown (repair will cost 2-3 times more expensive).
• 🚗 Loss of controllability at high speeds (risk of accident).

If the error appears for the first time, you can drive to the service center, but avoid sudden acceleration and towing trailers.

Why does P0746 appear after an oil change?

This is a typical situation if:

• 🛢️ It was flooded unsuitable oil (For example, Dexron III instead of NS-3).
• 🧹 Was not carried out flushing solenoids (dirt from the old oil blocked the valves).
• 🔧 Not reset automatic transmission adaptation (the control unit “does not see” the new oil).

Solution: repeat the oil change with a complete flush of the system and reset the adaptations using the scanner.

How to reset P0746 without a scan tool?

A temporary reset (until the next ignition cycle) can be done as follows:

1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Disconnect the battery terminal for 10-15 minutes.
3. Reconnect the terminal and start the car.

However, this will not eliminate the cause of the error! To completely reset automatic transmission adaptations, you need a diagnostic scanner.

What kind of oil should I fill in a Nissan automatic transmission with error P0746?

Only original fluids:

• Nissan Matic Fluid S (article KLE52-00004) - for classic automatic transmissions.
• Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE53-00004) - for CVTs.

Analogs (for example, Idemitsu ATF Type-J or Ravenol CVT) can only be used during a complete oil change, but not for topping up!

Could P0746 be due to firmware?

Yes, but extremely rarely. On some Nissan (For example, X-Trail T32 with automatic transmission RE0F10D) error P0746 appears after updating the TCU firmware. In this case, rolling back to the previous version of the software or reflashing the “calibrations” of the solenoids helps. It is impossible to do this on your own - specialized equipment is required (for example, J2534).