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P0735 means the 5th gear (overdrive) clutch pack is slipping. Common on 5-speed Honda autos and the Ford 5R55 family at 100k–150k miles. Highway RPM creeps up while road speed stays the same. Continuing to drive will turn a $1,500 fix into a $3,500 fix. Rebuild kits on Amazon ↑
🗺️ Where Is the Problem?
Blueprint view - P0735 fault localized to the transmission control system / solenoid body
These are statistical causes across ALL vehicles - your exact car may rank differently
For example, on a Honda 4-cyl the downstream O2 sensor causes P0735 64% of the time, but on a GM 5.3L V8 the catalytic converter is the cause 71% of the time. Get a probability ranking built specifically for your year, make, model, and mileage.
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🎯 Top Causes & Probability
70%
#1 - Most Likely
Worn 5th Gear Clutch Pack
The 5th gear (overdrive) clutch pack has worn out from highway use. Honda 5-speed autos in particular are known for this wearing out by 120k miles. Rebuild required.
🔩 Part
$150–$600
👨🔧 Labor
$2,000–$3,800
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Hard
20%
#2 - Check First
Failed Pressure / Shift Solenoid
A weak solenoid is starving 5th gear of apply pressure. Solenoid replacement is much cheaper than rebuild - worth attempting first if mileage is moderate.
🔩 Part
$130–$450
👨🔧 Labor
$350–$900
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Hard
10%
#3 - Less Common
Valve Body / Hydraulic Wear
Wear in the valve body causes pressure loss specifically to the 5th gear circuit. Valve body rebuild or replacement.
🔩 Part
$250–$650
👨🔧 Labor
$600–$1,300
⚡ DIY Difficulty
Hard
🚗 Most Affected Vehicles
🔧 Step-by-Step Diagnosis
- Highway test at 65–70 mph - Light throttle in top gear. Rising RPM without rising speed in 5th confirms slip. Drop to 4th to limp home if you must drive.
- Pull pan and check magnet - Any heavy clutch material or shavings on the magnet confirms internal wear. Plan for a rebuild or replacement trans.
📍 Find a Trusted Shop Near You
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Tips for Choosing a Shop
- Ask if they charge a diagnostic fee and whether it applies toward the repair
- Request a written estimate before approving any work
- Ask specifically about the part brand - OEM vs. aftermarket matters for this code
- Check Google reviews for recent mentions of the specific repair you need