Moving all of the transmission parts inside your gearbox requires a very specific amounts of hydraulic pressure, depending on the action that is being attempted. This hydraulic pressure is modulated by a pressure control solenoid, which the ECU commands on and off as necessary. If the pressure control solenoid C is not performing the way it should, a P0969 DTC will be set.
What Transmission Do I Have?
How Serious is the Code?
Although the transmission problems caused by a P0969 diagnostic trouble code may start out as just simply an annoyance, they will get a lot worse if the problem is not dealt with. This will eventually leave you with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive, because the transmission cannot perform the way was intended to.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0969 include:
- Slipping between gears
- Harsh gear changes
- Transmission overheats
- Engine stalls when you’re coming to a stop
- Engine misfire-like symptoms
- Limp mode
Causes
- Transmission fluid and filter are dirty
- Wiring damage
- Broken or corroded connectors
- Pressure control solenoid has failed
- Transmission pump is failed
- Valve body failure
- TCM/ECU problems
How to Diagnose the Code?
The transmission fluid level and condition is very important to the operation of a pressure control solenoid. So diagnosing a P0969 OBDII trouble code should start with a check of the transmission fluid, followed by a close inspection of the wiring and connectors along the transmission wiring harness. If nothing is found, then the pressure control solenoid itself will need to be checked, along with possibly the valve body, transmission pump and ECU or TCM.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Repairs Will Fix P0969?
- 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
- P0968 – Pressure Control Solenoid “C” Control Circuit/Open
- P0970 – Pressure Control Solenoid “C” Control Circuit Low
- P0971 – Pressure Control Solenoid “C” Control Circuit High
