P0996 code meaning
Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch F Circuit Intermittent
What P0996 means
The signal of pressure sensor or switch F drops out or flickers for short moments without staying low or high. No manufacturer documents this code publicly, and no transmission with a sixth pressure switch was found: GM's six-speeds end at switch 5 (E), Mitsubishi's 2019 six-speed uses letters B, D and E. Because such switches are thin film-and-piston units inside the valve body module, as Sonnax shows, debris or a delaminated film can make the contact chatter, and connector or harness faults do the same electrically. CARB requires transmission inputs to be checked for circuit faults; an intermittent code is the slot for faults too short to set P0994 or P0995. Expect occasional rough shifts, often without a warning light.
P0996 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0996
- Stored fault, often without warning light
- Occasional rough or flared shift
Common causes of P0996
- Most likelyLoose or corroded connector contact
- PossibleDebris or delaminated film making the switch chatter
- PossibleChafed harness shorting or opening under vibration
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Tfp sensor fWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0996 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. |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0996 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 P0996
What does P0996 mean?
P0996 means "Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch F Circuit Intermittent". The signal of pressure sensor or switch F drops out or flickers for short moments without staying low or high. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0996?
P0996 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0996 fail an emissions test?
P0996 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0996 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0996 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.