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P097D code meaning

Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit/Open

Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light

What P097D means

Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid D. No maker documents this code publicly. GM's Allison tables that use P097A to P097C stop at shift solenoid 3, and Ford, which has a solenoid D in its 5R110W, 6R80, 6F and 6R140 gearboxes, reports an open SSD under the base code P0765, with P0982/P0983 for ground and power shorts. Any use would follow the CARB rule that every transmission output must be checked for lack of circuit continuity, plus the pattern of the A to C codes: a high-impedance reading confirmed by switching the driver. On Ford's 6R80 and 6F, SSD feeds either CBLR or C456 through a multiplex valve, so an open there would disturb first and upper gears alike.

P097D 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 P097D

  • Warning light or MIL on
  • Missing gears that depend on solenoid D
  • Limp mode in a fixed gear

Common causes of P097D

  • Most likelyOpen coil of shift solenoid D
  • PossibleDisconnected or corroded terminal in the solenoid D circuit
  • PossibleBroken wire in the transmission harness
  • Less likelyFaulty 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 dWiring harnessTCM

What each part of P097D means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
9Area: transmission.
7DThe exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P097D 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 P097D

What does P097D mean?

P097D means "Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit/Open". Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid D. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P097D?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P097D the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P097D fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P097D 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 P097D to fix?

Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P097D clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 14 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P097D