P0966

Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0966?

Only short term. The car may enter limp mode or shift harshly, which is drivable but hard on the transmission — get it repaired soon.

Q: Can I just clear P0966?

It will come back until the solenoid or its circuit is fixed. Clearing also drops any limp mode only until the fault is detected again.

Transmission Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0966 means the transmission control module detected low voltage on the control circuit for pressure control solenoid B. That solenoid regulates hydraulic line pressure for shifting, so a fault often shows up as harsh or slipping shifts and can put the transmission into a protective limp mode. Common causes are a failed solenoid or a short in its wiring.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Limited — the transmission may shift harshly or drop into limp mode (fixed gear); drive gently and get it looked at soon to avoid further 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

Harsh, delayed, or erratic shifting
Transmission slipping or stuck in one gear (limp mode)
Check-engine light on
Reduced acceleration or power

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed pressure control solenoid BLikely
Wiring fault in the solenoid circuit (short to ground or open)Common
Loose or corroded connector at the transmissionCommon
Low or contaminated transmission fluid affecting solenoid operationLess often
Faulty 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 external transmission connector and wiring to solenoid B for shorts, opens, and corrosion.
Measure solenoid B resistance against spec; replace the solenoid if out of range.
Repair any damaged wiring or connections, then clear and road-test.
If the solenoid and wiring are good, have the TCM diagnosed.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0966?+

Only short term. The car may enter limp mode or shift harshly, which is drivable but hard on the transmission — get it repaired soon.

Can I just clear P0966?+

It will come back until the solenoid or its circuit is fixed. Clearing also drops any limp mode only until the fault is detected again.

Read & clear P0966 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