Error code P0746 on your dashboard Nissan - signal about problems with locking the torque converter (Torque Converter Clutch, TCC). This malfunction can manifest itself as jerky gear changes, increased fuel consumption, or even a complete loss of dynamics. Unlike other transmission errors, P0746 often indicates mechanical wear or electrical failure in the lock control system rather than low oil level.

Model owners Nissan X-Trail, Qashqai, Pathfinder And Navara They encounter this problem most often - especially on runs over 150,000 km. But it cannot be ignored: long-term driving with an inoperative torque converter leads to overheating of the automatic transmission and accelerated wear of the clutches. In this article, we will look at how to accurately diagnose the cause, which parts to check first, and whether it is possible to do without expensive repairs.

What does P0746 mean on Nissan?

Code P0746 stands for Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Performance or Stuck Off - but in context Nissan it is almost always associated with malfunction of the torque converter lockup control solenoid or the coupling itself. The torque converter in an automatic transmission acts as a “clutch,” smoothly connecting the engine and transmission. When the lock does not work, the electronics record an error.

In practice this looks like this:

  • 🔴 Jerks during acceleration at speeds of 60–90 km/h (moment of lock activation).
  • 🔴 Floating speed idling after stopping with a hot transmission.
  • 🔴 Deterioration in dynamics — the car is “stupid” when overtaking, although the engine roars.
  • 🔴 Increased fuel consumption (up to +2 l/100 km) due to slipping of the torque converter.

Important: on some models (for example, Nissan Almera N16 with automatic transmission RE4F03B) error P0746 may be accompanied P0730 (incorrect gear ratio) is a sign of critical wear of the clutches.

⚠️ Attention: If the error appears along with P0740 (general lockup failure), the probability of mechanical failure of the torque converter is 80%. In this case, the assembly will need to be replaced.

The main causes of error code P0746

The reasons are divided into three groups: electric, hydraulic And mechanical. The table below shows the frequency distribution for cars Nissan:

Fault type Specific reason Frequency (%) Repair cost (₽)
Electrics Lockout solenoid (TCC solenoid) malfunction 35% 3 000–8 000
Open or shorted wiring to the solenoid 20% 1 500–4 000
Hydraulics Clogged oil channels in the valve body 25% 10 000–25 000
Low oil pressure due to pump wear 10% 15 000–30 000
Poor quality or old ATF oil 5% 2 000–5 000
Mechanics Worn torque converter friction lining 30% 20 000–50 000
Lockup clutch (TCC) failure 20% 30 000–70 000

The most insidious reason is solenoid clogged with wear products. Metal shavings from the clutches clog the valve body channels, and the solenoid ceases to regulate pressure correctly. This is typical for cars with mileage >200,000 km, where the oil has not been changed on time.

📊 How often do you change the oil in the automatic transmission of your Nissan?
  • Every 60,000 km
  • Every 100,000 km
  • Only for repairs
  • Never changed
  • I don't know

Diagnosing error P0746: step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps before disassembling the box. They will help narrow down the range of problems and save on diagnostics in the service.

  1. Count all errors. Connect the scanner (for example, Launch CReader or ELM327) and check for related codes:
    • 🔧 P0740 - general locking failure (indicates mechanics).
    • 🔧 P0741 — the solenoid is stuck in the open position.
    • 🔧 P0742 — the solenoid is stuck in the closed position.
    • 🔧 P0776 — problem with the pressure solenoid (hydraulics).
  2. Check the level and condition of the ATF oil. The oil should be red in color, without a burnt smell or metal shavings. If it is black or contains large particles - change it urgently (along with the filter!).
  3. Test drive with recording of symptoms. Please note:
    • 🚗 At what speed do jerks appear?
    • 🚗 Does the error disappear after restarting the engine?
    • 🚗 Is there vibration at idle?
  • Check wiring and connectors. Disconnect the solenoid connector (usually located on the valve body) and inspect the contacts for oxidation. Test the circuit with a multimeter to determine the resistance of a working solenoid: 10–30 Ohm.

    • Check the ATF oil level|Read all errors using a scanner|Write down symptoms (speed, rpm)|Ring the solenoid circuit|Take photos of the connectors on the valve body-->

    If after these steps the error remains, you will need to in-depth diagnostics:

    • 🔍 Checking oil pressure in the valve body (a pressure gauge and an adapter are needed).
    • 🔍 Valve block disassembly for channel clogging.
    • 🔍 Troubleshooting torque converter (requires box removal).
    ⚠️ Attention: On models Nissan with CVT (For example, Juke or Qashqai J11) code P0746 may indicate a malfunction variator shaft bushings. In this case, the repair will cost 40,000–60,000 rubles.

    How to fix error code P0746: from simple to complex

    The repair strategy depends on the cause. Let's start with the cheapest and fastest solutions:

    1. Changing ATF oil and filter

    If the oil has not been changed for more than 80,000 km or shows signs of aging (dark color, burning smell), start with this. For Nissan original oil recommended Nissan Matic S or Idemitsu ATF Type-S. The volume for a complete replacement is 8–12 liters (depending on the model).

    Cost: 5 000–10 000 ₽ (with work).

    2. Clean or replace the lockout solenoid

    Solenoid TCC located in the hydraulic unit. On some models (for example, Nissan X-Trail T31) it can be removed without removing the box. Algorithm:

    1. Remove the automatic transmission pan and drain the oil.
    2. Disconnect the valve body connector.
    3. Unscrew the solenoid (usually it is marked as TCC or Lock-Up).
    4. Wash it in carburetor cleaner or replace it with a new one (part number for Nissan: 31397-31X00 or 31397-1X000).

    Cost of a new solenoid: 2 500–6 000 ₽.

    3. Valve block repair

    If the channels are clogged or the plungers are worn out, the valve body will need to be disassembled. This is a complex procedure - it is better to entrust it to specialists. Average price: 15 000–30 000 ₽.

    4. Replacing the torque converter

    In case of mechanical wear of the locking clutch or destruction of the friction lining, the torque converter is replaced as an assembly. On Nissan Pathfinder R51 or Navara D40 it will cost 40 000–70 000 ₽ (including work).

    Important: when replacing the torque converter necessarily change the automatic transmission oil and flush the ATF radiator!

    💡

    If the error remains after replacing the solenoid, check wiring from the transmission ECU to the valve body. Often the problem lies in frayed wires under the hood near the exhaust manifold.

    Nissan Models Most Affected by P0746

    Some models Nissan have design features that increase the risk of P0746:

    • 🚘 Nissan X-Trail T30/T31 (automatic transmission RE0F10A) - weak locking solenoid, often clogs after 150,000 km.
    • 🚘 Nissan Qashqai J10 (automatic transmission RE0F09A) - problems with the valve body due to poor oil cooling.
    • 🚘 Nissan Pathfinder R51 (automatic transmission RE5R05A) - wear of the locking clutch at runs >250,000 km.
    • 🚘 Nissan Navara D40 (automatic transmission RE5R05A) - sensitive to oil quality, the solenoid fails when using non-original ATF.
    • 🚘 Nissan Almera N16 (automatic transmission RE4F03B) - weak pump leading to low pressure and blocking failures.

    On these models the error P0746 often accompanied hard gear shifts And delay when switching from 1st to 2nd speed.

    Why does the Nissan Qashqai J11 with a CVT also have P0746?

    On Qashqai J11 (and X-Trail T32) with CVT JF016E error P0746 may indicate wear variator shaft bushings or malfunction torque converter-oil pump. In this case, replacement of the shaft or pump assembly is required (cost: 35,000–50,000 ₽).

    Is it possible to drive with P0746?

    Short term - yes, but with reservations:

    • ✅ Allowed: Drive to the service center or home if there are no other symptoms (jerking, loss of traction).
    • ❌ Prohibited:
      • 🚫 Driving at high speeds (above 100 km/h) is a risk of automatic transmission overheating.
      • 🚫 Tow a trailer or overload a car.
      • 🚫 Ignoring the error for longer than 1-2 weeks will speed up the wear of the clutches.

    Driving for a long time with the torque converter locking inoperative leads to:

    • 🔥 Oil overheating (the temperature in the automatic transmission can exceed 120°C).
    • 🔥 Accelerated wear of friction discs (the resource is reduced by 2–3 times).
    • 🔥 Breakdown of the planetary gear (repairs will cost 80,000–150,000 rubles).
    💡

    Driving with error P0746 for more than a month will almost certainly lead to a major overhaul of the automatic transmission. The average cost of such repairs for Nissan is 100,000–200,000 rubles.

    Preventing error P0746 on Nissan

    To avoid torque converter lockup problems:

    1. Change ATF oil every 60,000 km (or once every 4 years). For CVTs Nissan use only NS-2 or NS-3.
    2. Flush the radiator with ATF at every oil change. A clogged radiator is the cause of 30% of torque converter failures.
    3. Avoid aggressive driving on a cold transmission. For the first 5–10 km after starting the engine, the torque converter locking is disabled - do not load the box.
    4. Check the wiring once a year. Oxidized contacts on the valve body connector are a common cause of false errors.

    For owners Nissan with mileage >150,000 km recommended:

    • 🛠 Every 30,000 km add to oil additive for automatic transmission (For example, Liqui Moly ATF Additive).
    • 🛠 Once every 2 years carry out blood pressure diagnostics in the hydraulic unit.
    • 🛠 At the first jerks check Interlock solenoidrather than waiting for an error to appear.

    Frequently asked questions about error code P0746

    Could P0746 be caused by bad gasoline?

    No, P0746 - This is a purely transmission error not related to fuel. However engine detonation (due to low-quality gasoline) can accelerate the wear of the torque converter, which in the future will lead to this error.

    I reset the error with the scanner, but it returned after 50 km. What to do?

    This means the problem not resolved. Most likely reasons:

    • 🔧 The solenoid or valve body channels are clogged.
    • 🔧 The wiring to the solenoid is faulty.
    • 🔧 The initial stage of wear of the locking clutch.

    Need in-depth diagnostics with checking the pressure and disassembling the valve body.

    Can I replace the lockout solenoid myself?

    Yes, but experience with automatic transmissions is required. You will need:

    1. Drain the oil and remove the pan.
    2. Disconnect the valve body connector.
    3. Unscrew the faulty solenoid (usually it is marked TCC).
    4. Install the new one and put everything back together in reverse order.

    Important: after replacement be sure to adapt the solenoid via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

    How much does it cost to repair an automatic transmission with error P0746?

    The cost depends on the reason:

    Type of repair Cost (₽)
    Solenoid replacement 5 000–12 000
    Cleaning the valve body 15 000–25 000
    Replacing the torque converter 40 000–70 000
    Automatic transmission overhaul 80 000–150 000

    On models with a CVT (for example, Nissan Juke) repairs will cost more - up to 200 000 ₽ when replacing the shaft.

    What oil to pour into a Nissan automatic transmission with error P0746?

    Only original or certified:

    • 🛢 For classic automatic transmissions: Nissan Matic S or Idemitsu ATF Type-S.
    • 🛢 For CVTs: Nissan NS-2 (until 2012) or NS-3 (after 2012).
    • 🛢 For Nissan Patrol with automatic transmission RE7R01A: Matic J.

    Using non-original oil (for example, Dexron III) may make the problem worse!