Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0972 Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Range/performance fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid A: the circuit is not plainly shorted, yet its electrical behaviour does not fit what the module commands. Today's large makers rarely use the code. GM's 2007 table for the Allison 1000 six-speed used it for an open SS1 circuit: after three hardware fault samples the module opens the low-side driver as an intrusive test and reports P0972 if four more samples show no short to ground (400 ms, Type A, MIL at once). Newer GM Allison tables move that open to P097A. Ferrari's DCT bulletin reuses P0972 for a missing signal from the actuator 1 engage position sensor, not a solenoid. Ford and GM six-speeds report opens elsewhere. Shorts are P0973/P0974.

Likely causes

Open or high-resistance coil of shift solenoid A (Allison-type usage)
Loose or corroded terminal at the transmission connector or internal harness
Chafed or broken wire between module and solenoid
Faulty driver stage in the transmission control module

Symptoms

  • MIL or transmission warning on
  • Transmission falls back to a fixed default gear
  • Missing or abrupt shifts

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,500
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

shift solenoid awiring harnesstcm

Related codes

P097AP0973P0974P0750P0751P0752

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.