P2796 code meaning
Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump A Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P2796 means
P2796 points to an interrupted control line between the module and the motor of auxiliary pump A. GM's 2025 TCM tables define the test: provided the battery supplies 9 to 15 V, the controller sees more than 200 kΩ from signal to ground in at least 20 of 25 samples taken every 100 ms; the code is Type B, so the MIL comes on after two trips. On Ford's 10R60/10R80 and 8F57 automatics the pump itself reports that the PWM command signal is missing, filed as P2796_31. Ford TSB 26-2010 covers the 2022–2025 F-150 Lightning, where P2796 or P2797 in the secondary OBD modules B and C may stem from software, often first logged at 0 °C or below; reprogramming is the fix. P2798 and P2799 are the short-circuit siblings, P27A2 the same fault on pump B.
P2796 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2796
- MIL or wrench indicator on
- Stop-start inoperative
- Reduced performance message on electrified models
Common causes of P2796
- Most likelyBroken control wire or unplugged pump connector
- PossiblePoor terminal contact at the pump or module
- PossibleModule software (Ford F-150 Lightning, TSB 26-2010)
- Less likelyOpen circuit inside the pump electronics
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Aux trans pump aWiring harnessTransmission control module
What each part of P2796 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 7 | Area: transmission. |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2796 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 P2796
What does P2796 mean?
P2796 means "Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump A Control Circuit/Open". P2796 points to an interrupted control line between the module and the motor of auxiliary pump A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2796?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2796 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2796 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2796 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 P2796 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2796 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.