Powertrain, generic (extended)

P281E Pressure Control Solenoid H Control Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P281E sets when the line to solenoid H carries supply voltage where the module expects the load to pull it down. GM's 2020 tables cover the converter clutch valve on nine- and ten-speed automatics and the default valve on the eight-speed with the same timing as the low code: 0.3 s within 0.5 s, Type A, one trip. On the 2023 Corvette dual-clutch gearbox the threshold for the shutdown valve of the differential lock rises with battery voltage, from about 0.7 V to 1.1 V at the pin. The same code also covers a valve current that strays from its target and a short to a neighbouring output, which the shutdown test detects and saves, so P281E can appear right after a restart. Look for pinched wires next to supply lines and for water in connectors.

Likely causes

Control wire of solenoid H shorted to a voltage source
Moisture in the transmission connector bridging pins
Short between solenoid H and a neighbouring output

Symptoms

  • MIL on, possibly right after starting
  • Converter clutch or differential lock function lost
  • Firm shifts in a substitute program

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–2,500
Time1–6 h

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

Parts involved

pressure control solenoid hwiring harness

Related codes

P281DP281BP2819P2815P2818

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