P097E code meaning
Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P097E means
Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid E. No manufacturer was found that documents this code. Ford, the main user of an SSE, still reports an open SSE under P0770; its 2023 diesel summary pairs that with P0985 for ground and P0986 for power shorts, and powers SSE from supply TSPC1 together with SSA and SSC. In the 6R80 and 6F, SSE is an on/off solenoid that switches the multiplexing of SSD, while the 6R140 uses a variable force SSE for clutch C456. Without a public owner the code rests on the CARB demand for circuit continuity checks on transmission outputs and on GM's A to C pattern. Opens in shared supply wiring usually set P0657 first.
P097E 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 P097E
- Warning light or MIL on
- Gears using solenoid E unavailable
- Default gear operation
Common causes of P097E
- Most likelyOpen coil of shift solenoid E
- PossiblePoor contact at the solenoid E terminal or lead frame
- PossibleBroken signal wire to solenoid E
- 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 eWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P097E 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. |
| 7E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P097E 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 P097E
What does P097E mean?
P097E means "Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit/Open". Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid E. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P097E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P097E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P097E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P097E 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 P097E to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P097E clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.