P0976 code meaning
Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0976 means
Low-voltage fault, normally a ground short, in the control circuit of shift solenoid B. On GM six-speeds SS B is the mode 3 multiplex valve; the 2016 table sets P0976 after 1.2 of 1.5 s without lighting the MIL, while the Saab 9-4X 6T70 version needs 2 s, is Type B and raises line pressure. Ford uses it for SSB short to ground, with P0755 for an open; on the 2023 Super Duty diesel SSB is fed by solenoid supply TSPC2, so a P2669 supply fault disables this check. GM's Allison 1000 merges ground short and open into it in 2016, but from 2022 reports opens as P097B and keeps P0976 for ground faults found by an intrusive test (120 ms, MIL after one trip). High side is P0977.
P0976 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 P0976
- Warning light or stored code, on some GM six-speeds without MIL
- Firm shifts due to raised line pressure
- Gears missing or limp mode
Common causes of P0976
- Most likelySolenoid B control wire shorted to ground or housing
- PossibleInternal short in solenoid B or its valve body assembly
- PossibleMoisture or debris bridging pins at the connector
- Less likelyFaulty driver 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 bWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0976 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. |
| 76 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0976 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 P0976
What does P0976 mean?
P0976 means "Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low". Low-voltage fault, normally a ground short, in the control circuit of shift solenoid B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0976?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0976 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0976 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0976 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 P0976 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0976 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.