P097B code meaning
Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P097B means
Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid B. Public use is again limited to GM's Allison 1000 six-speed in heavy-duty trucks, where the 2022 to 2025 tables label it Shift Solenoid 2 Control Circuit Open. SS2 shares high-side driver 2 with SS1 and SS3, so the open test only runs while that supply is on and free of P2669, P2670 or P2671. It confirms an open by switching the low-side driver off and needs three samples, 120 ms, MIL after one trip. Allison's 2007 table filed the same check as P0975, the 2016 table under P0976. Ford reports an open SSB as P0755, GM six-speeds as P0977. Low/high are P0976/P0977.
P097B 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 P097B
- MIL on after one faulty trip
- Default gear operation, some ranges unavailable
- Harsh or missing shifts
Common causes of P097B
- Most likelyOpen coil of shift solenoid 2/B
- Most likelyLoose or corroded terminal on the solenoid B circuit
- PossibleWire broken by vibration or heat near the transmission
- Less likelyFaulty driver 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
Shift solenoid bWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P097B 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. |
| 7B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P097B 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 P097B
What does P097B mean?
P097B means "Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit/Open". Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P097B?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P097B the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P097B fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P097B 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 P097B to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P097B clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.