P0973
Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low
Transmission
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P0973 means the transmission control module detects a low-voltage (often short-to-ground) condition in the control circuit for shift solenoid A, the valve that engages a specific gear. It usually stems from a shorted or damaged wire, a failed solenoid, or a bad connector, and typically causes gear-selection problems or a limp-mode fixed gear.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Often driveable but the transmission may be stuck in one gear or in limp mode — expect poor shifting and repair it before it damages internal parts.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Difficulty shifting or no shift into a certain gear
- Harsh shifting or slipping
- Transmission in limp/failsafe mode (fixed gear)
Common causes
Most likely first
- Short-to-ground or damaged wiring in the shift solenoid A circuitLikely
- Failed shift solenoid ACommon
- Loose or corroded electrical connectorCommon
- Faulty transmission control module (TCM)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the shift solenoid A wiring for shorts to ground or chafing.
- Test the solenoid's resistance against spec; replace shift solenoid A if out of range.
- Clean and re-seat the transmission connector and check for corroded or bent pins.
- If wiring and solenoid check out, have the TCM diagnosed last.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0973?+
Briefly, but the transmission may be locked in limp mode and shift poorly. Extended driving with slipping or harsh shifts can wear it, so fix it soon.
Can I just clear P0973?+
It returns until the circuit fault is repaired. This is an electrical fault, not a temporary glitch.
Related codes
Often seen with P0973
Read & clear P0973 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