In order to move the clutches and gears around inside of your transmission, there needs to be a certain amount of hydraulic pressure to move the different parts around. The ECU controls this pressure using little devices called pressure control solenoids. If the pressure control solenoid B is not performing properly, a P0965 DTC will be saved.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How Serious is the Code?
The P0965 diagnostic trouble code is very serious, even though the symptoms might not be too bad at first. The severity however, will increase to the point of the vehicle may not be drivable. Needless to say, this transmission problem should be addressed immediately.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0965 include:
- Transmission slips in and out of gear
- Harsh shifting
- Overheated transmission
- Engine stalls unexpectedly
- Engine misfire-like symptoms
- Limp mode
Causes
- Transmission fluid and filter have become contaminated
- Wiring has been damaged
- Connectors are either broken or corroded
- Broken pressure control solenoid
- Broken transmission pump
- Valve body failure
- TCM/ECU problems
How to Diagnose the Code?
One of the most common causes of a P0965 OBDII trouble code, is low or dirty transmission fluid. If that is not the case here, then the wiring and connectors along the transmission wiring harness should be checked to see if there are any damaged wires or corroded/broken connectors.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Repairs Will Fix P0965?
- 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
- P0964 – Pressure Control Solenoid “B” Control Circuit/Open
- P0966 – Pressure Control Solenoid “B” Control Circuit Low
- P0967 – Pressure Control Solenoid “B” Control Circuit High
