Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit High
What does P0974 mean?
The P0974 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit High. This is a moderate severity code.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Transmission stuck in gear or limp mode
- Shift solenoid A always energized or never energized
- Abnormal shift patterns
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open ground in shift solenoid A circuit Very High
- Faulty shift solenoid A with high resistance High
- Short to battery voltage in solenoid control wire Moderate
- TCM reference voltage problem Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Measure voltage at solenoid A connector with key on
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Check for an open ground at the solenoid
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Test for short to battery voltage on the control wire
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Measure solenoid A resistance and compare to specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is P0974 the opposite of P0973?
Yes. P0973 indicates the solenoid circuit is stuck low while P0974 indicates it is stuck high. They are complementary electrical fault codes.
Can a solenoid with high resistance still function?
A solenoid with elevated resistance will draw less current and may not fully open or close. This can cause partial shifts, slipping, or the solenoid may not respond at all.
Do I need to drop the transmission pan to access the solenoid?
Yes, in most cases the transmission pan must be removed to access the valve body where shift solenoid A is located.