P097C code meaning
Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P097C means
Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid C. GM documents it for the Allison 1000 six-speed in its 2022 to 2025 heavy-duty tables as Shift Solenoid 3 Control Circuit Open, with the same intrusive low-side test as SS1 and SS2: three samples, 120 ms, battery 9 to 18 V, MIL after one trip. It is the youngest of three codes for this one fault on that gearbox: 2007 used P0978, only outside reverse trim, 5th and 6th gear, 2016 merged it into P0979 with a 200 kOhm limit. Ford reports an open SSC under P0760, and no other maker was found using P097C. A related pressure switch code may set too, because SS3 strokes the S3 valve that switch PS3 watches.
P097C 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 P097C
- MIL on after one faulty trip
- Upper gears unavailable or fixed default gear
- Possible additional pressure switch code
Common causes of P097C
- Most likelyOpen coil of shift solenoid 3/C
- Most likelyLoose, wet or corroded pin in the transmission connector
- PossibleBroken wire between module and solenoid C
- 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 cWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P097C 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. |
| 7C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P097C 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 P097C
What does P097C mean?
P097C means "Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit/Open". Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid C. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P097C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P097C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P097C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P097C 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 P097C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P097C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.