P0960 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0960 means
Open-circuit fault in the driver circuit of pressure control solenoid A: the module measures an impedance far above the coil value, as if a wire, pin or winding were broken. Which solenoid carries the letter A depends on the gearbox. Ford uses it for the line pressure (EPC) solenoid; GM's 8-speed for clutch 1 (CB1278R), the 9- and 10-speeds for clutch CB123456(R), Allison 1000 for main modulation (line) pressure and GM's dual-clutch gearbox for the odd-clutch valve. GM flags more than 200 kOhm for 0.3 s (Type A), Allison 173 kOhm or more after an intrusive test. GM six-speeds report an open under P0963 instead. Low and high are P0962/P0963, performance P0961. Expect maximum line pressure, harsh shifts or a fixed limp gear.
P0960 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0960
- Transmission warning or MIL on, fault message in the cluster
- Very firm or harsh shifts due to maximum line pressure
- Transmission stays in a fixed limp gear
Common causes of P0960
- Most likelyOpen solenoid coil inside the valve body or solenoid assembly
- PossibleLoose, corroded or pushed-back pin at the transmission connector or pass-through
- PossibleBroken wire between module and solenoid
- Less likelyFaulty 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 aWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0960 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. |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0960 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 P0960
What does P0960 mean?
P0960 means "Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open". Open-circuit fault in the driver circuit of pressure control solenoid A: the module measures an impedance far above the coil value, as if a wire, pin or winding were broken. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0960?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0960 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0960 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0960 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 P0960 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0960 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.