P1765 on 1997-2011 Dodge Dakota — Transmission 12-Volt Supply Relay Control Circuit
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $200-$800 repair
How to diagnose and fix P1765: most-reported vehicles
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Dodge Dakota · 1997–2011
The 42RE (4-speed) and 45RFE/545RFE (5-speed) automatic transmissions in the Dakota suffer from overdrive solenoid failures. The overdrive solenoid sticks or fails electrically, preventing the transmission from engaging overdrive or causing it to drop out of overdrive unexpectedly. This increases highway fuel consumption and engine RPM. The issue is exacerbated by old, contaminated transmission fluid.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission will not shift into overdrive
- Overdrive drops out at highway speeds
- Higher than normal RPM at highway cruising speed
- Check engine light with overdrive codes
- Increased fuel consumption on highway
How to Fix
Replace the overdrive solenoid and governor pressure solenoid as a pair — they are accessed by dropping the transmission pan and valve body. Use Mopar ATF+4 (68218058AC) exclusively. For the 42RE, the solenoid pack is inexpensive ($40-$80) but labor is 2-3 hours. For the 45RFE/545RFE, replace the entire solenoid block assembly. Regular fluid changes every 30,000 miles help prevent recurrence.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Crown 52118500AB transmission overdrive solenoid
Overdrive-solenoid replacement only after diagnosis confirms this component Fitment: Manufacturer application lists 2000-2003 Dakota with 42RE/46RE; it does not cover 1997-1999 or an RFE transmission Live manufacturer product page when c…
- Remanufactured OE white-connector RFE solenoid block
Replace the whole RFE solenoid block when electrical/hydraulic diagnosis proves the block Fitment: Vendor lists 2004-2010 Dodge Dakota and 2011 Ram Dakota; confirm connector color, transmission family and OE-number interchange Live direc…
- 45RFE/545RFE 4WD sump and cooler-return filter kit
Replace both filters during RFE solenoid-block service Fitment: 4WD 45RFE/545RFE only; 2WD and 42RE/46RE use different filter hardware Live direct US product page with quantity/order control when checked
- Mopar 68218057AC ATF+4 fluid
Approved service fluid after the transmission-specific repair Fitment: Use exact service-fill quantity for the installed transmission and repair state Live Mopar direct product page when checked
Sources for this issue (1)
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P1765 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P1765 mean?
P1765 stands for "Transmission 12-Volt Supply Relay Control Circuit." This manufacturer-specific code (commonly Ford) indicates a problem in the control circuit for the transmission's 12-volt supply relay, which powers the transmission solenoids and control components. The computer detected that this supply circuit is not energizing or responding correctly. Because the transmission solenoids depend on this feed, you may experience harsh shifts, no shifts, or the transmission dropping into a limp/failsafe mode. It is generally an electrical/relay/wiring fault rather than internal mechanical transmission failure.
What are the most common causes of P1765?
The most common causes of P1765 are: Faulty transmission power relay, Open or shorted wiring in the relay control circuit, Corroded or loose connector or ground, Blown fuse on the transmission supply circuit, Faulty TCM/PCM relay driver, Internal solenoid short loading the supply. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P1765?
Repair costs for P1765 range from $200 to $800, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P1765?
Au7o has documented P1765 across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Dodge.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.