P0971 code meaning
Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0971 means
Pressure control solenoid C circuit high: a short to voltage, and on GM six-speeds also an open, as there is no separate open code there. The Saab 9-4X 6T70 (clutch pressure solenoid 3, low/reverse and 4-5-6 clutches) and GM's 2018 six-speed table set it after 1 s or 0.3 s as Type A, with limp mode in reverse and 5th gear at maximum line pressure. GM's 8-, 9- and 10-speeds use the code for their clutch solenoid C; GM's dual-clutch gearbox for the redundant odd-clutch shutdown valve, where too high a voltage at the sense pin with the output switched on counts as a short. Ford does not use C codes. Siblings: P0968 open, P0970 low, P0969 performance. A loose connector can make the fault come and go.
P0971 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 P0971
- MIL on, limp mode in a fixed gear
- Harsh engagements at maximum line pressure
- Fault comes and goes with temperature or vibration
Common causes of P0971
- Most likelyOpen coil or poor connection (reported as high on GM six-speeds)
- PossibleControl wire shorted to a supply voltage
- PossibleDamaged or loose transmission 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 P0971 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. |
| 71 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0971 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 P0971
What does P0971 mean?
P0971 means "Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit High". Pressure control solenoid C circuit high: a short to voltage, and on GM six-speeds also an open, as there is no separate open code there. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0971?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0971 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0971 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0971 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 P0971 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0971 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.