Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P08C1 Pressure Control Solenoid L Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Reports a control circuit voltage of pressure control solenoid L that is too low, usually a short to ground. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; Toyota, the one documented user of letter L, has published only P08BA71. GM's equivalent for solenoid M (P08CA) illustrates the check: while the low-side driver is switched on, the sense pin is examined and a value below about 1.7 V is read as a short to ground, confirmed after 150 ms with battery voltage between 8.75 and 18 V. Depending on the wiring, a ground short can energise the valve permanently or make it uncontrollable. P08C2 is the high counterpart, P08BF the open circuit. Expect a fallback gear and the warning light.

Likely causes

Control wire chafed through to ground
Shorted turns in the solenoid coil
Fluid or moisture in the connector

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Transmission in fallback gear

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,500
Time0.5–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

pressure control solenoid lwiring harness

Related codes

P08BFP08C0P08C2P08CA

References: law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com.