Performance fault of pressure control solenoid A: the circuit is electrically intact, but the solenoid does not behave as commanded. On GM's six-speeds, where A is the line pressure solenoid, the Saab 9-4X 6T70 sets it when measured and commanded current differ for 5 s, GM's 2018 table after 4.4 of 5 s; both Type B, two trips. Allison 1000 flags a current error of 0.5 A or more in 40 of 80 samples (Type A). Ford's 2023 diesel summary lists it as a PC A current range fault. In GM's CVT, A feeds the secondary pulley: a pressure error above 500 kPa steady or 1,500 kPa transient, confirmed by a ratio error, sets it after 5 s. Electrical faults are P0960, P0962 and P0963. The module usually commands maximum line pressure and freezes adaptations.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.
Symptoms
- Harsh or erratic shifts
- MIL or transmission warning after the second drive
- Slipping or ratio flare on CVT applications
Most likely causes
- Solenoid with internal electrical or mechanical fault, current no longer follows the command
- Debris or varnish in the fluid sticking the solenoid or regulator valve
- High resistance at connector or pass-through distorting the current
- Low fluid level causing pressure errors (CVT pulley monitor)
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 P0961 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 9: Transmission
- 61: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0961?
Drive as little as possible and gently. If the transmission slips or stays in one gear, go slowly to a repair shop or call for a tow truck.
What causes code P0961?
The most common causes are: solenoid with internal electrical or mechanical fault, current no longer follows the command; debris or varnish in the fluid sticking the solenoid or regulator valve; high resistance at connector or pass-through distorting the current.
Related codes
- P0960Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open
- P0962Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low
- P0963Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit High
- P0965Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0746Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off
- P0868Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
Sources
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p0961 p0963
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Transmisson Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 17OBDG04 Transmisson Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 23OBDG03A Part1
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.