P0796 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid C Performance/Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P07xx codes Check engine light
What P0796 means
Pressure control solenoids are current-controlled proportional valves, and what B and C mean depends on the design: on GM's clutch-to-clutch automatics they are the pressure valves of clutches 2 and 3, on GM's CVT B is primary pulley pressure and C line pressure, on Jatco CVTs B is the secondary pressure valve, on Saab's AF40 B and C are clutch valves SLC1/SLC2. P0796 means valve C is electrically fine but pressure stays too low. GM's 6-speed flags 400 rpm slip in steady fourth gear with an intrusive test (4-5-6 clutch), the 8-speed 400 rpm for 1.5 s three times (clutch 3), the 9-speed clutch 3 slip over 200 rpm for 3 s, the CVT a line pressure deviation – all after one trip. GM noted false settings on 2017 8-speeds; a 9-speed bulletin calls for clutch inspection and a new valve body. Slipping, missing upper gears and limp mode follow.
P0796 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 14 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0796
- Slipping or missing upper gears
- Limp mode
- Check engine light
Common causes of P0796
- Most likelyClutch, return spring or piston seal of the assigned clutch faulty
- Most likelyValve body or pressure valve dirty or worn
- PossibleFluid level low, fluid worn, filter clogged
- PossibleSoftware false setting
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Pressure control solenoidTransmission valve bodyTransmission clutchesTransmission control module
What each part of P0796 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0796 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0796
What does P0796 mean?
P0796 means "Pressure Control Solenoid C Performance/Stuck Off". Pressure control solenoids are current-controlled proportional valves, and what B and C mean depends on the design: on GM's clutch-to-clutch automatics they are the pressure valves of clutches 2 and 3, on GM's CVT B is primary pulley pressure and C line pressure, on Jatco CVTs B is the secondary pressure valve, on Saab's AF40 B and C are clutch valves SLC1/SLC2. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0796?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0796 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0796 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0796 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0796 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 14 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0796 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.