Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low
The P0973 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $150 - $800 (parts and labor)
Read and clear transmission codes. Many trans codes are caused by low or burnt fluid -- check level and color before assuming the worst.
Basic scanners only read engine codes. This reads transmission, ABS, and airbag too.
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What Are the Symptoms of P0973?
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Transmission stuck in one gear or limp mode
- No 1-2 upshift
- Harsh shifting when it does occur
What Causes P0973? (Most Likely First)
- Short to ground in shift solenoid A wiring Very High
- Faulty shift solenoid A with low resistance High
- Transmission internal wiring harness damage Moderate
- TCM output driver failure Low
Can I Still Drive with P0973?
Short distances only. P0973 is rated moderate severity. Keep trips short and get it diagnosed soon rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does circuit low mean for shift solenoid A?
The voltage on the solenoid control wire is below the expected minimum, usually caused by a short to ground or an internally shorted solenoid.
Can the internal transmission harness be repaired?
Internal transmission wiring harnesses can often be replaced without a full transmission rebuild. The harness is accessible after removing the valve body.
Is P0973 more serious than P0972?
P0973 indicates a definitive electrical fault while P0972 is a performance issue. P0973 is more likely to cause immediate drivability problems like limp mode.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
How Do You Diagnose P0973?
-
Measure voltage at shift solenoid A connector
-
Check for short to ground in the solenoid control wire
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Inspect the internal transmission wiring harness if applicable
-
Test solenoid A resistance at the transmission connector
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
P0973 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Which Vehicles Commonly Get P0973?
- 2007-2017 Ford F-150 (6R80)
- 2008-2018 GM Silverado (6L80)
- 2010-2020 Ram 1500 (65RFE)
- 2009-2019 Toyota Tundra
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