Pressure control solenoid A circuit high: the driver detects a short to voltage, and on GM's six-speeds also an open circuit, since those units have no separate open code. The Saab 9-4X 6T70 (line pressure solenoid) sets it after 5 s as Type B, GM's 2018 table after 4.4 of 5 s over two trips; the module then commands maximum line pressure and freezes adaptations. Ford tests its line pressure (EPC) solenoid for short to power and, in some applications, keeps P0963 like P0960 without MIL because maximum line pressure does not raise emissions. GM's 8-, 9- and 10-speeds and Allison 1000 (power short within 75 ms) use A for a clutch or main modulation solenoid. Expect firm, harsh shifts rather than slipping. Siblings: P0960, P0961, P0962.
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
- Firm or harsh shifts at maximum line pressure
- Warning light, on some vehicles only after two drives or not at all
- Shift adaptation no longer improves
Most likely causes
- Open coil or high-resistance connection (reported as high on GM six-speeds)
- Control wire shorted to a supply voltage
- Damaged or contaminated connector at the transmission
- Faulty output stage in the control module
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 P0963 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 9: Transmission
- 63: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0963?
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 P0963?
The most common causes are: open coil or high-resistance connection (reported as high on GM six-speeds); control wire shorted to a supply voltage; damaged or contaminated connector at the transmission.
Related codes
- P0960Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit/Open
- P0961Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0962Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Low
- P0967Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit High
- P0971Pressure Control Solenoid C Control Circuit High
- P0748Pressure Control Solenoid A Electrical
Sources
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p0961 p0963
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Transmisson Diagnostics
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
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.