Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0985 Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Low-voltage fault, usually a short to ground, in the control circuit of shift solenoid E. Ford lists it for SSE on the 5R110W and 6R140 and in its 2020–2023 gasoline and 2023 diesel summaries, beside P0770 for an open; for the 6R80 and 6F, whose SSE is the on/off multiplex solenoid, the 2012 text names only P0770. Saab's 2010 9-5 with the Aisin six-speed uses P0985 differently, for shift solenoid valve 1: the module sees the circuit reading on while it is commanded off, 100 ms five times in a row, Type A; it then turns all solenoids off and freezes adaptation. Voltage must be 10.2 to 15.5 V and the engine above 400 rpm. High side is P0986.

Likely causes

Solenoid E control wire shorted to ground
Internal short of solenoid E
Water or fluid in the transmission connector
Faulty driver stage in the transmission module

Symptoms

  • MIL on after the fault is confirmed
  • All solenoids off, fixed fail-safe gear (Saab/Aisin)
  • Missing upper gears on Ford gearboxes

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,800
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

shift solenoid ewiring harnesstcm

Related codes

P0986P0984P097EP0770P0771P0657

References: saabwisonline.com, newtonnet.co.uk, fordservicecontent.com.