P0962 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0962 means
Pressure control solenoid A circuit low: the driver sees a short to ground. Ford tests its line pressure (EPC) solenoid this way; a short there opens a high-side switch that cuts power to the shift solenoids and leaves park, reverse, neutral and one fixed forward gear at maximum line pressure. On GM's six-speeds and the Saab 9-4X 6T70, A is the line pressure solenoid; the fault matures in 1.5 to 2 s and is Type A, with reverse and 5th gear only, no converter lock-up and maximum line pressure. GM's 8-, 9- and 10-speeds use A for a clutch solenoid and treat less than 0.5 ohm as a short, Allison 1000 for main modulation pressure (125 ms). Siblings: P0960 open, P0963 high, P0961 performance.
P0962 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 P0962
- MIL and transmission warning on immediately
- Limp mode with only one forward gear and reverse
- Harsh engagements, poor acceleration from standstill
Common causes of P0962
- Most likelyControl wire chafed through and touching ground
- PossibleInternally shorted solenoid coil
- PossibleTransmission fluid or water in the connector bridging pins
- Less likelyFaulty output stage in the 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 P0962 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. |
| 62 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0962 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 P0962
What does P0962 mean?
P0962 means "Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low". Pressure control solenoid A circuit low: the driver sees a short to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0962?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0962 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0962 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0962 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 P0962 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0962 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.