P0986 code meaning
Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0986 means
High-voltage fault in the control circuit of shift solenoid E. Ford means a short to power on SSE; an open sets P0770 and a ground short P0985. On the 6R140 SSE is a variable force solenoid for the C456 clutch, so a short to power can hold that clutch on. Saab's 2010 9-5 with the Aisin six-speed instead assigns P0986 to shift solenoid valve 1 and sets it when the circuit reads off although it is commanded on, which also catches an open coil: 100 ms, five times, Type A, all solenoids then switched off. GM's published transmission tables do not use the code. Because makers split opens differently, check the maker's table before replacing parts.
P0986 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 P0986
- MIL on, transmission in fail-safe gear
- Tie-up or harsh shift if the controlled clutch stays applied
- Adaptation frozen, shift quality worsens
Common causes of P0986
- Most likelySolenoid E control wire shorted to a supply voltage
- PossibleOpen coil or wire where the maker reads it as high (Saab/Aisin)
- PossibleBent or corroded terminals at the solenoid E connector
- 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 P0986 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. |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0986 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 P0986
What does P0986 mean?
P0986 means "Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit High". High-voltage fault 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 P0986?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0986 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0986 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0986 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 P0986 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0986 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.