P2797 code meaning
Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump A Performance/Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P27xx codes Check engine light
What P2797 means
P2797 says pump A was asked to deliver but no useful pressure resulted. GM checks this on CVTs during an engine auto-start: with the pump commanded and over 400 kPa requested at both pulleys, both pressure sensors reading under 200 kPa for more than 0.525 s set the Type B code. GM bulletin 19-NA-200 (Malibu 2019–2025, Trailblazer, Encore GX, 2025 Equinox) blames an internal pump failure and replaces pump and harness. Subaru found false detections on 2023–2024 Legacy and Outback 2.4 turbo CVTs, caused by forward clutch engagement at restart, and released TCM files (16-145-23R). Stellantis traces P2797 on some 2026 Charger, Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer models with the 880RE eight-speed to a failed oil pump motor (21-053-26). Stop-start is usually the first casualty.
P2797 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2797
- MIL on
- Stop-start inoperative
- Shock or surge when the engine restarts at a stop
- Service transmission message
Common causes of P2797
- Most likelyInternal failure of the auxiliary pump or its motor
- PossibleControl software misjudging pump output (TCM update available)
- PossibleDamaged pump wiring harness
- Less likelyLow fluid or internal leakage preventing pressure build-up
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Aux trans pump aPump motor
What each part of P2797 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. |
| 97 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2797 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 P2797
What does P2797 mean?
P2797 means "Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump A Performance/Stuck Off". P2797 says pump A was asked to deliver but no useful pressure resulted. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2797?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2797 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2797 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2797 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 P2797 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2797 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.