P0731 on Lincoln
Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0731 on Lincoln vehicles indicates gear 1 incorrect ratio. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Lincoln models — most commonly on Aviator, Nautilus. This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 1st gear. The module compares input (engine/turbine) speed to output shaft speed; when the car is commanded into 1st but the calculated ratio doesn't match the expected value, P0731 sets. This points to slipping, an incorrect shift, or a hydraulic/mechanical problem rather than just an electrical fault. You may feel slipping, harsh or delayed engagement, or the transmission may go into a limited 'limp' mode.
Common Causes of P0731
- •Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid
- •Slipping clutch packs or worn friction components
- •Stuck or faulty shift solenoid affecting 1st gear
- •Internal hydraulic leak / valve body fault
- •Worn or failing torque converter
- •Faulty input or output speed sensor
- •Mechanical wear (planetary gears, bands) inside the transmission
P0731 on Lincoln by Model
Lincoln Aviator(1 issue)
- 10R60/10R80 MHT Harsh or Delayed Engagement and Shifts (TSB 22-2428)2020-2023
Some 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviators equipped with a 10R60 and built on or before December 23, 2022, or a 10R80 MHT and built on or before August 15, 2022, may have harsh or delayed engagement and/or harsh or delayed shifts. Ford TSB 22-2428 says the condition may involve PCM/TCM software, the transmission solenoid-ID strategy, sticking main-control valves, or axial movement of the CDF clutch-cylinder sleeve. The complaint may occur with or without a malfunction indicator and the bulletin's listed transmission DTCs. The symptom alone does not select a valve body, CDF cylinder, or complete transmission.
Lincoln Nautilus(1 issue)
- 8F35 8-speed automatic shudder, buck, and jerk under 35 mph2019-2021
Nautilus models built on or before March 11, 2021 with the 8F35 8-speed automatic commonly exhibit a shudder, buck, hesitation, or jerk while accelerating from a stop up to about 35 mph (57 km/h). Ford Technical Service Bulletin 21-2389 (superseding 21-2081) attributes the condition primarily to PCM/transmission solenoid control software rather than internal mechanical wear, though severe untreated cases progressed to harsh shifting and, in a minority of CarComplaints reports, complete transmission failure. This is the single most-complained-about Nautilus problem and is the subject of a Chimicles Schwartz Kriner class-action investigation covering 2019-2021 Edge/Nautilus 8F35 vehicles.
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View P0731 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0731 mean on Lincoln?▼
P0731 stands for "Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio." This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 1st gear. The module compares input (engine/turbine) speed to output shaft speed; when the car is commanded into 1st but the calculated ratio doesn't match the expected value, P0731 sets. This points to slipping, an incorrect shift, or a hydraulic/mechanical problem rather than just an electrical fault. You may feel slipping, harsh or delayed engagement, or the transmission may go into a limited 'limp' mode. On Lincoln specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0731 on Lincoln vehicles?▼
Common causes on Lincoln: Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid, Slipping clutch packs or worn friction components, Stuck or faulty shift solenoid affecting 1st gear, Internal hydraulic leak / valve body fault, Worn or failing torque converter. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0731 on a Lincoln?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Lincoln model.
Which Lincoln models have P0731 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0731 on 2 Lincoln models: Aviator, Nautilus.