Open-circuit fault in the drive circuit of shift solenoid C. GM documents it for the Allison 1000 six-speed in its 2022 to 2025 heavy-duty tables as Shift Solenoid 3 Control Circuit Open, with the same intrusive low-side test as SS1 and SS2: three samples, 120 ms, battery 9 to 18 V, MIL after one trip. It is the youngest of three codes for this one fault on that gearbox: 2007 used P0978, only outside reverse trim, 5th and 6th gear, 2016 merged it into P0979 with a 200 kOhm limit. Ford reports an open SSC under P0760, and no other maker was found using P097C. A related pressure switch code may set too, because SS3 strokes the S3 valve that switch PS3 watches.
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
- MIL on after one faulty trip
- Upper gears unavailable or fixed default gear
- Possible additional pressure switch code
Most likely causes
- Open coil of shift solenoid 3/C
- Loose, wet or corroded pin in the transmission connector
- Broken wire between module and solenoid C
- Faulty low-side driver 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 P097C means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 9: Transmission
- 7C: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P097C?
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 P097C?
The most common causes are: open coil of shift solenoid 3/C; loose, wet or corroded pin in the transmission connector; broken wire between module and solenoid C.
Related codes
- P0978Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P0979Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Low
- P0980Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit High
- P0760Shift Solenoid C
- P097BShift Solenoid B Control Circuit/Open
- P0872Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Low
Sources
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.