P097A code meaning
Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P097A means
Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid A, a code that later J2012 editions added; older lists still show P097A as reserved. GM is the only maker found that documents it: the 2022 to 2025 tables for the Allison 1000 six-speed in its heavy-duty trucks call it Shift Solenoid 1 Control Circuit Open. After one hardware fault the module flags pending, and after three samples it opens the low-side driver as a test; three more open readings at 9 to 18 V set the code (120 ms, MIL after one trip). The same gearbox once used P0972 for this and P0973 in 2016. Ford reports an open SSA as P0750, GM six-speeds as P0974, and Genesis folds all electrical faults of A into P0753.
P097A 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 P097A
- MIL on after one faulty trip
- Transmission in a fixed default gear
- Shifts involving solenoid A missing
Common causes of P097A
- Most likelyOpen coil of shift solenoid 1/A
- Most likelyUnplugged, corroded or pushed-out pin at the transmission connector
- PossibleBroken wire in the internal or external transmission harness
- Less likelyFaulty low-side driver 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
Shift solenoid aWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P097A 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. |
| 7A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P097A 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 P097A
What does P097A mean?
P097A means "Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open". Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid A, a code that later J2012 editions added; older lists still show P097A as reserved. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P097A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P097A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P097A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P097A 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 P097A to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P097A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.