P08C2 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid L Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P08C2 means
Reports a control circuit voltage of pressure control solenoid L that is too high, typically a short to battery voltage or to a neighbouring output. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; Toyota, the one documented user of letter L, has published only P08BA71. GM's equivalent for solenoid M (P08CB) uses two tests: with the low-side driver on, a sense voltage above 0.7 to 1.1 V, depending on supply voltage, means a short to power; at shutdown each output is also switched on in turn to detect a short to a neighbouring output, which is then stored and reported at the next start. A shorted valve usually cannot be switched off. P08C1 is the low counterpart, P08BF the open circuit.
P08C2 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P08C2
- Check engine light on
- Transmission in fallback gear
Common causes of P08C2
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to battery voltage
- PossibleShort between adjacent solenoid wires in the internal harness
- Less likelyDefective output stage in the transmission control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Pressure control solenoid lWiring harness
What each part of P08C2 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| C2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P08C2 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 P08C2
What does P08C2 mean?
P08C2 means "Pressure Control Solenoid L Control Circuit High". Reports a control circuit voltage of pressure control solenoid L that is too high, typically a short to battery voltage or to a neighbouring output. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P08C2?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P08C2 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P08C2 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P08C2 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 P08C2 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P08C2 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.