P093A code meaning
Hydraulic Accumulator Solenoid Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P093A means
The control circuit of the solenoid that opens or locks a hydraulic accumulator in the gearbox is open. Such accumulators store pressurised fluid, for example to keep clutches applied during engine stop-start, as GM's patents on a stop-start accumulator and an accumulator with solenoid valve describe. No manufacturer documents P093A publicly. GM uses its own P171A for the same fault on the surge accumulator solenoid: failed if circuit impedance exceeds 200 kOhm in 32 of 40 samples, Type B with MIL after two trips. P093B and P093C are the low and high faults, P093D the performance fault. Stop-start is usually disabled, and the first restart may engage with a jolt.
P093A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P093A
- Warning light on (after repeated detection)
- Engine stop-start no longer active
- Jolt or slip when driving off after an engine restart
Common causes of P093A
- Most likelyAccumulator solenoid coil open
- PossibleConnector unplugged or wire broken between module and solenoid
- PossibleFault in the internal transmission harness or lead frame
- Less likelyOutput driver in the control module failed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hydraulic accumulator solenoidWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P093A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 9 | Area: transmission. |
| 3A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P093A 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 P093A
What does P093A mean?
P093A means "Hydraulic Accumulator Solenoid Circuit/Open". The control circuit of the solenoid that opens or locks a hydraulic accumulator in the gearbox is open. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P093A?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P093A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P093A 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 P093A to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P093A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.