P0735 on Chevrolet
Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0735 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates gear 5 incorrect ratio. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Chevrolet model — most commonly on Cruze. This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 5th gear. By comparing input shaft speed to output shaft speed, the module verifies each commanded gear; when the 5th-gear ratio is wrong, P0735 is stored. This typically means the transmission is slipping or failing to lock into 5th gear due to fluid, friction, or solenoid issues. Drivers may notice slipping at highway speeds, RPM flare, poor fuel economy, or limp mode. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $2,200 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0735
- •Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid
- •Slipping clutch packs or worn friction elements in 5th gear
- •Stuck or faulty shift solenoid
- •Valve body / internal hydraulic leak or restriction
- •Worn or failing torque converter
- •Faulty input or output speed sensor
- •Internal mechanical wear inside the transmission
P0735 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet Cruze(1 issue)
- 6T40 3-5-Reverse Wave Plate Fracture - Sudden Loss of 3rd, 5th and Reverse2011-2013
The early (Gen 1) 6T40/6T30 automatic uses a stamped steel wave plate in the 3-5-Reverse clutch pack. On 2011-2012 builds the plate cracks and shatters without warning, instantly wiping out 3rd gear, 5th gear and reverse. The car will usually still move in 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th, so drivers often describe it as 'it flared, then it won't back up.' Debris from the shattered plate circulates through the valve body and contaminates the whole unit. This is distinct from the well-known torque-converter shudder - it is a hard mechanical failure, not a driveability complaint. GM revised the wave plate in later 6T40 builds and the failure rate drops sharply on 2013+ cars.
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What does P0735 mean on Chevrolet?▼
P0735 stands for "Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio." This code means the Transmission/Powertrain Control Module detected an incorrect gear ratio in 5th gear. By comparing input shaft speed to output shaft speed, the module verifies each commanded gear; when the 5th-gear ratio is wrong, P0735 is stored. This typically means the transmission is slipping or failing to lock into 5th gear due to fluid, friction, or solenoid issues. Drivers may notice slipping at highway speeds, RPM flare, poor fuel economy, or limp mode. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0735 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: Low or degraded/burnt transmission fluid, Slipping clutch packs or worn friction elements in 5th gear, Stuck or faulty shift solenoid, Valve body / internal hydraulic leak or restriction, 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 P0735 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $2,200 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0735 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0735 on 1 Chevrolet model: Cruze.