A pressure control solenoid is used by the ECU to control the hydraulic pressure inside of the transmission. If it is not performing with in the preprogrammed range, a P0961 DTC will be triggered.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How Serious is the Code?
The P0961 diagnostic trouble code is very serious, because it means the vehicle’s computer cannot correctly modulate the hydraulic pressure that it uses to change gears. This can result in a number of drivability problems including slipping and engine stalling.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0961 include:
- Transmission slipping
- Firm shifts
- Overheated transmission
- Engine stalling
- Engine misfire-like symptoms
- Limp mode
Causes
- Dirty transmission fluid/filter
- Damaged wiring and/or connectors
- Faulty pressure control solenoid
- Faulty transmission pump
- Valve body failure
- TCM/ECU problems
How to Diagnose the Code?
One of the first steps that should be taken when trying to diagnose a P0961 OBDII trouble code, is to check the level and condition of the transmission fluid. If it’s clean and there are no metal fragments, further mechanical inspection will be needed to determine if the problem lies with the pressure control solenoid, the transmission pump, valve body or TCM/ECU programming.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Repairs Will Fix P0961?
- Change the transmission fluid and filter
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
- Install new pressure control solenoid(s)
- Repair or replace transmission pump
- Repair or replace the valve body
- Reprogram or replace the ECU or TCM
Related Codes
- P0960 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit/Open
- P0962 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit Low
- P0963 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit High