P0970

Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0970?

Brief driving is usually possible, but slipping and overheating can damage the transmission, so repair it soon.

Q: Can I just clear P0970?

It will come back until the circuit fault or solenoid is fixed; the transmission may keep entering limp mode.

Transmission Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0970 means the transmission control module sees an abnormally low voltage in the control circuit for pressure control solenoid 'C', which helps set internal line pressure. Low pressure can make the transmission shift poorly, slip, overheat, or drop into limp mode. The root cause is usually a wiring short, a failed solenoid, or a bad connection.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Often driveable, but slipping or a stuck-gear limp mode can overheat and wear the transmission — keep trips short until it's repaired.

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

Poor shifting or slipping gears
Harsh or delayed engagement
May default to limp/failsafe mode
Transmission running hot
Check-engine light on

Common causes

Most likely first

Short-to-ground or open in the solenoid 'C' circuit wiringLikely
Failed pressure control solenoid 'C'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.
Inspect the solenoid 'C' wiring and connector for shorts, opens, or corrosion.
Measure the solenoid resistance against spec; replace if out of range.
Repair the low-voltage circuit fault, then clear and road-test.
If wiring and solenoid check out, suspect the TCM.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0970?+

Brief driving is usually possible, but slipping and overheating can damage the transmission, so repair it soon.

Can I just clear P0970?+

It will come back until the circuit fault or solenoid is fixed; the transmission may keep entering limp mode.

Read & clear P0970 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