P0960

Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0960?

Short trips are usually possible, but harsh shifting or limp mode strains the transmission. Get it looked at promptly.

Q: Can I just clear P0960?

It returns until the open circuit or failed solenoid is repaired, and the transmission may keep defaulting to limp mode.

Transmission Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0960 means the transmission control module has detected an open (broken) circuit for pressure control solenoid 'A', which regulates internal line pressure. Without proper control the transmission can shift harshly, slip, or fall back to a protective limp mode. It is usually an electrical fault — wiring, connector, or the solenoid itself.

Medium

Can I keep driving? You can usually still drive, but shifts may be harsh or the transmission may drop into a fixed-gear limp mode — fix it soon to avoid added wear.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Delayed, harsh, or jerky shifting
Transmission slipping or not engaging properly
May stay in one gear (limp/failsafe mode)
Check-engine light on
Reduced fuel efficiency

Common causes

Most likely first

Open or damaged wiring/connector in the solenoid 'A' circuitLikely
Failed pressure control solenoid 'A'Common
Loose or corroded electrical connectionsCommon
Failed transmission control module (TCM)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check transmission fluid level and condition first.
Inspect the solenoid 'A' wiring and connector for opens, chafing, or corrosion.
Measure the solenoid's resistance and compare to spec; replace the solenoid if out of range.
Repair any open circuit or loose connection, then clear and road-test.
If wiring and solenoid are good, suspect the TCM.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0960?+

Short trips are usually possible, but harsh shifting or limp mode strains the transmission. Get it looked at promptly.

Can I just clear P0960?+

It returns until the open circuit or failed solenoid is repaired, and the transmission may keep defaulting to limp mode.

Read & clear P0960 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX