P0981 code meaning
Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0981 means
Range/performance fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid D. GM's Allison tables end at solenoid C, and Ford checks SSD only with P0765, P0982 and P0983, so the large North American users skip it. Two codegenau sources exist. FCA's recall S55 (NHTSA 16V-529) covers about 323,400 vehicles with the 9-speed front-drive transaxle; with old TCM software, intermittent high resistance from weak crimps in the range sensor harness could set P0981 or its siblings, and the remedy is new software plus, if a code is present, a new harness. Ferrari's DCT bulletin uses P0981 for a missing signal from the actuator 3 position sensor. Low/high for D are P0982/P0983.
P0981 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0981
- Unexpected shift to neutral while driving (FCA 9-speed)
- MIL or transmission warning on
- Default gear or harsh shifts
Common causes of P0981
- Most likelyWeak terminal crimps causing intermittent resistance (FCA recall S55)
- PossibleTransmission software not yet updated by the recall
- PossibleSolenoid D coil resistance out of range
- 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 dWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0981 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. |
| 81 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0981 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 P0981
What does P0981 mean?
P0981 means "Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Range/Performance". Range/performance 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 P0981?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0981 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0981 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0981 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 P0981 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0981 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.