P0976: Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low

Low-voltage fault, normally a ground short, in the control circuit of shift solenoid B. On GM six-speeds SS B is the mode 3 multiplex valve; the 2016 table sets P0976 after 1.2 of 1.5 s without lighting the MIL, while the Saab 9-4X 6T70 version needs 2 s, is Type B and raises line pressure. Ford uses it for SSB short to ground, with P0755 for an open; on the 2023 Super Duty diesel SSB is fed by solenoid supply TSPC2, so a P2669 supply fault disables this check. GM's Allison 1000 merges ground short and open into it in 2016, but from 2022 reports opens as P097B and keeps P0976 for ground faults found by an intrusive test (120 ms, MIL after one trip). High side is P0977.

Symptoms

• Warning light or stored code, on some GM six-speeds without MIL
• Firm shifts due to raised line pressure
• Gears missing or limp mode

Most likely causes

• Solenoid B control wire shorted to ground or housing
• Internal short in solenoid B or its valve body assembly
• Moisture or debris bridging pins at the connector
• Faulty driver in the transmission control module

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the fluid level and condition according to the manufacturer
2. With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
3. Check the transmission connector
4. Read the data with a transmission-compatible scanner
5. Measure the solenoid valve circuit
6. Leave opening the transmission to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: hard
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P0976 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 9: Transmission
• 76: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0976?

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 P0976?

The most common causes are: solenoid B control wire shorted to ground or housing; internal short in solenoid B or its valve body assembly; moisture or debris bridging pins at the connector.

Related codes

• P0977Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High
• P097BShift Solenoid B Control Circuit/Open
• P0975Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Range/Performance
• P0755Shift Solenoid B
• P2669Actuator Supply Voltage B Circuit/Open

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG03 Transmission Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 23OBDG06B
• fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
• saabwisonline.com: dtc p0976 or p0977

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.