Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0960 Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Open-circuit fault in the driver circuit of pressure control solenoid A: the module measures an impedance far above the coil value, as if a wire, pin or winding were broken. Which solenoid carries the letter A depends on the gearbox. Ford uses it for the line pressure (EPC) solenoid; GM's 8-speed for clutch 1 (CB1278R), the 9- and 10-speeds for clutch CB123456(R), Allison 1000 for main modulation (line) pressure and GM's dual-clutch gearbox for the odd-clutch valve. GM flags more than 200 kOhm for 0.3 s (Type A), Allison 173 kOhm or more after an intrusive test. GM six-speeds report an open under P0963 instead. Low and high are P0962/P0963, performance P0961. Expect maximum line pressure, harsh shifts or a fixed limp gear.

Likely causes

Open solenoid coil inside the valve body or solenoid assembly
Loose, corroded or pushed-back pin at the transmission connector or pass-through
Broken wire between module and solenoid
Faulty output stage in the transmission control module

Symptoms

  • Transmission warning or MIL on, fault message in the cluster
  • Very firm or harsh shifts due to maximum line pressure
  • Transmission stays in a fixed limp gear

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–1,800
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

pressure control solenoid awiring harnesstcm

Related codes

P0961P0962P0963P0964P0968P0745

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, newtonnet.co.uk.