P0735 on Ford
Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0735 on Ford vehicles indicates gear 5 incorrect ratio. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Ford models — most commonly on Explorer, Fiesta. 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 Ford range from $900 to $3,500, 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 Ford by Model
Ford Explorer(1 issue)
- 5R55W/5R55S Transmission Servo Bore Wear Causing Flare, Slip, and Delayed Reverse2002-2010
A very common failure on third- and fourth-generation Explorers with the 5R55W/5R55S automatic is wear in the overdrive and intermediate servo bores inside the transmission case. As the bores wear, hydraulic pressure leaks past the servo pistons, leading to 2-3 flare, 3-5 flare, slipping, harsh engagement, and delayed or missing reverse. This issue is widely documented in owner complaints, transmission repair communities, and Ford service literature addressing shift flare and servo-related repairs.
Ford Fiesta(1 issue)
- DPS6 PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission Shudder, Slipping, and Failure2011-2019
The Ford Fiesta equipped with the DPS6 PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission is one of the most complained-about vehicles in recent history. The dry dual-clutch design causes severe shuddering, jerking, hesitation, and complete loss of power during acceleration. The clutch plates overheat and wear prematurely, often before 50,000 miles. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) software frequently fails to adapt properly, causing delayed shifts, harsh engagement, and rollback on hills. Ford faced a class-action lawsuit involving nearly 1.5 million vehicles and a federal settlement was reached.
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View P0735 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0735 mean on Ford?▼
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 Ford specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0735 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: 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 Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $900 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P0735 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0735 on 2 Ford models: Explorer, Fiesta.