P0972 code meaning
Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0972 means
Range/performance fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid A: the circuit is not plainly shorted, yet its electrical behaviour does not fit what the module commands. Today's large makers rarely use the code. GM's 2007 table for the Allison 1000 six-speed used it for an open SS1 circuit: after three hardware fault samples the module opens the low-side driver as an intrusive test and reports P0972 if four more samples show no short to ground (400 ms, Type A, MIL at once). Newer GM Allison tables move that open to P097A. Ferrari's DCT bulletin reuses P0972 for a missing signal from the actuator 1 engage position sensor, not a solenoid. Ford and GM six-speeds report opens elsewhere. Shorts are P0973/P0974.
P0972 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 P0972
- MIL or transmission warning on
- Transmission falls back to a fixed default gear
- Missing or abrupt shifts
Common causes of P0972
- Most likelyOpen or high-resistance coil of shift solenoid A (Allison-type usage)
- PossibleLoose or corroded terminal at the transmission connector or internal harness
- PossibleChafed or broken wire between module and solenoid
- Less likelyFaulty driver 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
Shift solenoid aWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0972 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. |
| 72 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0972 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 P0972
What does P0972 mean?
P0972 means "Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance". Range/performance fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid A: the circuit is not plainly shorted, yet its electrical behaviour does not fit what the module commands. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0972?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0972 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0972 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0972 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 P0972 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0972 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.