The 'friction element slip' codes monitor a clutch that is commanded locked in a power-split hybrid transmission: the module calculates its slip from electric motor, engine and output speeds (target 0 rpm) and flags slip above a threshold for a minimum time, with sufficient line pressure and clutch torque; from 2016 GM also flags a calculated friction energy threshold at once. The letter matches the manufacturer's clutch number. P079C concerns clutch 3 and is used only by GM: the Two-Mode flags above 100 rpm for 0.625 s after two trips, the 2013 Volt above 300 rpm after one trip, Volt and CT6 from 2016 100 rpm for 1 s on slip alone, after one trip. The Malibu Hybrid has no clutch 3 code.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
Symptoms
- Check engine light or 'service hybrid system' message
- Limp mode with reduced power or restricted drive mode
- Slipping, engine speed rises without drive
- Jolt when the engine starts or stops
Most likely causes
- Clutch C plates worn or glazed
- Too little line pressure: low or aged fluid, filter, auxiliary oil pump or blocked pressure orifice
- Pressure or shift valve of clutch C or valve body sticking
- Module software (false setting)
- Faulty speed signals (motor resolver, output)
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: hard
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P079C means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 7: Transmission
- 9C: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P079C?
Drive gently to a repair shop. If it slips, you hear clunks, or it loses its gears, do not keep driving.
What causes code P079C?
The most common causes are: clutch C plates worn or glazed; too little line pressure: low or aged fluid, filter, auxiliary oil pump or blocked pressure orifice; pressure or shift valve of clutch C or valve body sticking.
Related codes
- P07A6Transmission Friction Element C Performance/Stuck Off
- P07A7Transmission Friction Element C Stuck On
- P2702Transmission Friction Element C Apply Time Range/Performance
- P079BTransmission Friction Element B Slip Detected
- P079DTransmission Friction Element D Slip Detected
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 13OBDG06 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 13OBDG01 Hybrid TCM Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.