What P0965 means
Performance fault of pressure control solenoid B: wiring is intact, but current or resulting pressure does not match the command.
How the engine computer detects it
In the Saab 9-4X 6T70, solenoid 2 feeds the 3-5-reverse clutch; a current mismatch for 5 s sets a Type C code without MIL and freezes that clutch's adaptations, and GM's 2016 six-speed table also lists it without MIL. Allison 1000 checks for a current error of 0.5 A or more within 250 ms windows (Type A). In GM's CVT, B controls the primary pulley: a pressure error above 500 kPa (73 psi) steady or 1,500 kPa (73 psi) transient, confirmed by a ratio error for 5 s, sets a Type A code. Electrical faults of B are P0964, P0966 and P0967. Symptoms range from none to rough 3rd, 5th or reverse, or CVT ratio problems.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Rough or delayed 3rd, 5th or reverse engagement
- CVT ratio fluctuates, engine speed flares
- Often no warning light on six-speed applications
Common causes
- Worn or internally faulty solenoid, current no longer matches the command Most likely
- Debris sticking the solenoid or its regulator valve Possible
- Internal leak in the CVT primary pulley circuit Possible
- High resistance in connector or pass-through Less likely
How to diagnose P0965
- 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 b, 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.
Vehicles that report P0965 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | 2013–2017 | 6 | 40k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0965 (13 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 9
- Transmission
- 65
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0965?
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 P0965?
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.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0965. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
- P0776Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance/Stuck Off8 complaints
- P2813Pressure Control Solenoid G Control Circuit Range/Performance4 complaints
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.