P1307
FordKickdown Relay Hold Circuit Fault
This code indicates a detected fault in the circuit that controls or maintains the kickdown relay. That relay is involved in kickdown operation, which can request a downshift for acceleration. The exact circuit design and response vary by model, year, and engine. A code points to a detected condition; it does not prove the relay itself has failed.
⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)
If the vehicle shifts unpredictably, will not respond normally to acceleration, or loses power in traffic, avoid driving it until it is checked. Stop safely if control or acceleration becomes unreliable. Otherwise, arrange diagnosis soon and avoid hard acceleration until the shifting behavior is understood.
Common Symptoms
- There may be no noticeable symptoms if the fault does not affect kickdown operation under current driving conditions.
- The transmission may not downshift as expected when acceleration is requested, which can make acceleration feel weak or delayed.
- Shifting behavior may be abnormal if the relay circuit fault prevents the kickdown function from operating correctly.
- A warning light may be present, depending on the vehicle's system and how it reports the detected fault.
Common Causes
- A fault inside the kickdown relay, such as a failed coil or worn or damaged contacts.
- Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring or connectors in the relay control or power circuit.
- An open, short, or excessive resistance in the circuit that prevents the relay from being controlled or held as intended.
- A problem with a circuit power supply, ground, or related control input.
- A control-system fault or an issue in another part of the circuit; the code alone does not identify which component failed.
Diagnostic Steps
- Note the vehicle's exact model, year, engine, symptoms, and any other stored codes; applicability and circuit details vary.
- With the vehicle parked safely and the ignition off, visually check accessible relay-related wiring and connectors for looseness, corrosion, chafing, or obvious damage.
- If you have a suitable scan tool, record the codes and available transmission-related data before clearing anything; this helps preserve clues about the fault.
- Do not probe unfamiliar terminals or replace a relay based only on the code. Use vehicle-specific wiring information, or have a technician test the circuit if the checks above do not reveal an obvious problem.
When to Call a Professional
Confirm the code and check for related codes before replacing parts. Use model-specific service information to identify the kickdown relay circuit and its control strategy. Inspect the relay, wiring, connectors, and power and ground paths, then test relay operation and circuit behavior under the specified conditions. Check relevant scan data and control commands where available; do not assume the relay is the cause from this code alone.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Does P1307 prove the kickdown relay is bad?
No. It identifies a fault in the kickdown relay hold circuit, but wiring, connections, power or ground, control inputs, or another circuit issue can produce the detected condition.
What does the kickdown function do?
Kickdown operation can request a transmission downshift for acceleration. How the vehicle implements and monitors that function depends on its model, year, and engine.
Can I keep driving with this code?
That depends on how the vehicle behaves. If shifting or acceleration is unpredictable or unreliable, stop driving when safe and arrange diagnosis. If it drives normally, have the fault checked soon and avoid hard acceleration.
Can I diagnose it by swapping in another relay?
Do not assume a relay swap will confirm the cause. Relay identification and circuit design vary, and a fault elsewhere in the circuit can remain. Use model-specific service information and appropriate circuit tests.
Browse Available Code Guides
Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.