P0732 on Acura
Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0732 on Acura vehicles indicates gear 3 incorrect ratio. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Acura models — most commonly on MDX, TL. This code means the transmission control module detected that the gear ratio in 3rd gear does not match what it expects when the transmission is commanded into that gear. The computer compares input (turbine) speed to output shaft speed; if the math for 3rd gear is wrong, it sets this code. It usually points to internal slipping or a hydraulic/electronic control fault rather than a sensor reading error. Typical repair costs on Acura range from $2,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0732
- •Low or dirty/degraded transmission fluid
- •Worn clutch packs or friction material in 3rd gear circuit
- •Faulty shift solenoid for 3rd gear
- •Valve body or pressure control problems
- •Internal mechanical wear or damage in the transmission
- •Clogged transmission filter restricting flow
- •Faulty input/output speed sensor giving skewed data
P0732 on Acura by Model
Acura MDX(1 issue)
- ZF 9-Speed Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifts and Stalling (2016-2019 MDX)2016-2019
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic introduced on the 2016 MDX suffers from documented hesitation, harsh shifts, lurching, and unexpected downshifts/deceleration. Drivers report the vehicle hesitating from a stop, banging into gear, or briefly losing power. Software miscommunication between TCM, ECM and throttle control is the alleged root cause; a class action was filed alleging Honda knew of the defect from 2015.
Acura TL(1 issue)
- 1999 3.2TL 5-speed auto was the start of the famous Acura V6 transmission failures1999
1999 was the launch year of the 2nd-gen TL with the 3.2L J32A V6 and a new 5-speed automatic. This transmission family turned into one of the worst Acura defects of the early 2000s — torque converter failure, 3rd-gear clutch pack burn-up, blocked oil passages from debris, and complete failure became common. American Honda extended the transmission and torque converter warranties in 2003 (per TSB 02-027). The 1996-1998 TL uses the older 4-speed automatic which is generally reliable; the failure pattern is specifically the 5AT introduced for 1999. If you are car-shopping a 1999 TL, the model year alone does not tell you which transmission you have — the early-1999 carryover may have the older 4AT while the mid-year 2nd-gen launch got the 5AT. Check the build date and trans serial to know.
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What does P0732 mean on Acura?▼
P0732 stands for "Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio." This code means the transmission control module detected that the gear ratio in 3rd gear does not match what it expects when the transmission is commanded into that gear. The computer compares input (turbine) speed to output shaft speed; if the math for 3rd gear is wrong, it sets this code. It usually points to internal slipping or a hydraulic/electronic control fault rather than a sensor reading error. On Acura specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0732 on Acura vehicles?▼
Common causes on Acura: Low or dirty/degraded transmission fluid, Worn clutch packs or friction material in 3rd gear circuit, Faulty shift solenoid for 3rd gear, Valve body or pressure control problems, Internal mechanical wear or damage in the transmission. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0732 on a Acura?▼
Repair costs on Acura range from $2,500 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Acura models have P0732 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0732 on 2 Acura models: MDX, TL.