Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0973 Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Low-voltage fault in the control circuit of shift solenoid A, usually a short to ground. Ford lists it as SSA short to ground beside P0750 (open) for the 5R110W, 6R80, 6F and 6R140, checked by a driver feedback line within 0.5 to 5 s. GM six-speeds (6L/6T) call SS A the mode 2 solenoid and set P0973 after 1.2 of 1.5 s, MIL after one trip. The Saab 9-4X 6T70 needs 2 s, Type A, then only reverse and 5th remain. GM's 2016 Allison 1000 table folds ground short (0.42 ohm or less) and open (200 kOhm or more) into this code over 10 counts. Saab's Aisin gearbox in the 9-5 (2010) maps it to shift solenoid valve 2. High side is P0974.

Likely causes

Control wire to solenoid A chafed through and shorted to ground
Internal short in solenoid A or the control solenoid assembly
Fluid or metal debris bridging pins at the transmission connector
Faulty low-side driver in the transmission or powertrain module

Symptoms

  • MIL on after the first faulty trip on many vehicles
  • Limp mode with only a few gears, often reverse plus one forward gear
  • Harsh engagements due to maximum line pressure
  • Torque converter lockup and manual shifting disabled

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,600
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

shift solenoid awiring harnesstcm

Related codes

P0974P097AP0972P0750P0751P0752

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, fordservicecontent.com, saabwisonline.com.