P0970 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0970 means
Pressure control solenoid C circuit low, a short to ground in the driver. On GM's six-speeds C is the C456/CBR1 solenoid; on the Saab 9-4X 6T70 it is clutch pressure solenoid 3 for the low/reverse and 4-5-6 clutches. A short for 1 s (Saab) or 0.3 s (GM 2018 table) sets a Type A code: only reverse and 5th gear, no converter lock-up, maximum line pressure. GM's 8-speed uses C for clutch 3 (C13567), the 9- and 10-speeds for CB38 or C23457910 with less than 0.5 ohm counting as a short; GM's dual-clutch gearbox uses it for the odd-clutch shutdown valve. Siblings: P0968 open, P0971 high, P0969 performance. Since the solenoid sits in the valve body, repairs often mean the control solenoid valve assembly.
P0970 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 P0970
- MIL on immediately
- Limp mode in reverse and one forward gear
- Weak acceleration from standstill
Common causes of P0970
- Most likelyInternally shorted solenoid in the control solenoid valve assembly
- PossibleChafed control wire touching ground
- PossibleFluid or moisture in the connector
- 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 cWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0970 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. |
| 70 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0970 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 P0970
What does P0970 mean?
P0970 means "Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit Low". Pressure control solenoid C circuit low, a short to ground in the driver. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0970?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0970 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0970 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0970 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 P0970 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0970 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.