P0985 code meaning
Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0985 means
Low-voltage fault, usually a short to ground, in the control circuit of shift solenoid E. Ford lists it for SSE on the 5R110W and 6R140 and in its 2020–2023 gasoline and 2023 diesel summaries, beside P0770 for an open; for the 6R80 and 6F, whose SSE is the on/off multiplex solenoid, the 2012 text names only P0770. Saab's 2010 9-5 with the Aisin six-speed uses P0985 differently, for shift solenoid valve 1: the module sees the circuit reading on while it is commanded off, 100 ms five times in a row, Type A; it then turns all solenoids off and freezes adaptation. Voltage must be 10.2 to 15.5 V and the engine above 400 rpm. High side is P0986.
P0985 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 P0985
- MIL on after the fault is confirmed
- All solenoids off, fixed fail-safe gear (Saab/Aisin)
- Missing upper gears on Ford gearboxes
Common causes of P0985
- Most likelySolenoid E control wire shorted to ground
- PossibleInternal short of solenoid E
- PossibleWater or fluid in the transmission connector
- Less likelyFaulty driver stage in the transmission 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 P0985 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. |
| 85 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0985 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 P0985
What does P0985 mean?
P0985 means "Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Low". Low-voltage fault, usually a short to ground, in the control circuit of shift solenoid E. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0985?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0985 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0985 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0985 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 P0985 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0985 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.