What P0960 means
Open-circuit fault in the driver circuit of pressure control solenoid A: the module measures an impedance far above the coil value, as if a wire, pin or winding were broken.
How the engine computer detects it
Which solenoid carries the letter A depends on the transmission. Ford uses it for the line pressure (EPC) solenoid; GM's 8-speed for clutch 1 (CB1278R), the 9- and 10-speeds for clutch CB123456(R), Allison 1000 for main modulation (line) pressure and GM's dual-clutch transmission for the odd-clutch valve. GM flags more than 200 kOhm for 0.3 s (Type A), Allison 173 kOhm or more after an intrusive test. GM six-speeds report an open under P0963 instead. Low and high are P0962/P0963, performance P0961. Expect maximum line pressure, harsh shifts or a fixed limp gear.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Transmission warning or MIL on, fault message in the cluster
- Very firm or harsh shifts due to maximum line pressure
- Transmission stays in a fixed limp gear
Common causes
- Open solenoid coil inside the valve body or solenoid assembly Most likely
- Loose, corroded or pushed-back pin at the transmission connector or pass-through Possible
- Broken wire between module and solenoid Possible
- Faulty output stage in the transmission control module Less likely
How to diagnose P0960
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: pressure control solenoid a, wiring harness, tcm.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 9
- Transmission
- 60
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0960?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0960?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.