P0960
Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open
Transmission
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P0960 means the transmission control module has detected an open (broken) circuit for pressure control solenoid 'A', which regulates internal line pressure. Without proper control the transmission can shift harshly, slip, or fall back to a protective limp mode. It is usually an electrical fault — wiring, connector, or the solenoid itself.
Medium
Can I keep driving? You can usually still drive, but shifts may be harsh or the transmission may drop into a fixed-gear limp mode — fix it soon to avoid added wear.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Delayed, harsh, or jerky shifting
- Transmission slipping or not engaging properly
- May stay in one gear (limp/failsafe mode)
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced fuel efficiency
Common causes
Most likely first
- Open or damaged wiring/connector in the solenoid 'A' circuitLikely
- Failed pressure control solenoid 'A'Common
- Loose or corroded electrical connectionsCommon
- Failed transmission control module (TCM)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check transmission fluid level and condition first.
- Inspect the solenoid 'A' wiring and connector for opens, chafing, or corrosion.
- Measure the solenoid's resistance and compare to spec; replace the solenoid if out of range.
- Repair any open circuit or loose connection, then clear and road-test.
- If wiring and solenoid are good, suspect the TCM.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0960?+
Short trips are usually possible, but harsh shifting or limp mode strains the transmission. Get it looked at promptly.
Can I just clear P0960?+
It returns until the open circuit or failed solenoid is repaired, and the transmission may keep defaulting to limp mode.
Related codes
Often seen with P0960
Read & clear P0960 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX