P1746 on Ford
Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid — Open Circuit / Low Conditions
P1746 on Ford vehicles indicates electronic pressure control (epc) solenoid — open circuit / low conditions. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Explorer. This is a manufacturer-specific powertrain code and the meaning depends on the brand. On Ford (and Mazda vehicles using Ford transmissions) it means the powertrain control module commanded the electronic pressure control solenoid but saw an open/low condition in that circuit — the solenoid that regulates transmission line pressure is not responding correctly, which shows up as harsh or erratic shifts, slipping, or limp mode with maximum line pressure. On Volkswagen/Audi the same number (VAG 00532) is a transmission control module relay supply voltage (B+) malfunction, often from low battery voltage or a bad ground, so confirm which definition applies to your vehicle. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $900 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P1746
- •Failed electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid
- •Open or shorted wiring in the EPC solenoid circuit
- •Corroded or damaged transmission case connector / internal harness
- •Low or contaminated transmission fluid
- •Faulty powertrain or transmission control module
- •On VW/Audi: failed TCM power supply relay, blown fuse, corroded contacts, weak battery or poor ground
P1746 on Ford by Model
Ford Explorer(1 issue)
- 5R55E Automatic Transmission Reverse Loss and Forward Clutch Slipping1997-2001
The 5R55E five-speed automatic (behind the 4.0L before the 5R55W/S arrived for 2002) commonly loses reverse and/or slips in Drive/1st as the low/reverse sprag, reverse clutch pack, and forward clutch wear. A broken tab on the pressure-regulating (EPC) solenoid in the valve body drops line pressure, so reverse — which needs the most pressure — engages late or not at all, and the engine flares on deceleration. High-mileage owners search this heavily as the truck 'won't back up.'
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View P1746 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P1746 mean on Ford?▼
P1746 stands for "Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) Solenoid — Open Circuit / Low Conditions." This is a manufacturer-specific powertrain code and the meaning depends on the brand. On Ford (and Mazda vehicles using Ford transmissions) it means the powertrain control module commanded the electronic pressure control solenoid but saw an open/low condition in that circuit — the solenoid that regulates transmission line pressure is not responding correctly, which shows up as harsh or erratic shifts, slipping, or limp mode with maximum line pressure. On Volkswagen/Audi the same number (VAG 00532) is a transmission control module relay supply voltage (B+) malfunction, often from low battery voltage or a bad ground, so confirm which definition applies to your vehicle. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P1746 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Failed electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid, Open or shorted wiring in the EPC solenoid circuit, Corroded or damaged transmission case connector / internal harness, Low or contaminated transmission fluid, Faulty powertrain or transmission control module. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P1746 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $900 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P1746 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P1746 on 1 Ford model: Explorer.