Transmission

P0960 — Pressure Control Solenoid A Control Circuit Open

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0960 means

The transmission control module (TCM) varies the current to pressure control solenoid A to set the hydraulic pressure that applies the clutches and shifts gears. P0960 is stored when the module detects an open circuit: current is not flowing through the solenoid circuit as expected.

Symptoms

  • Check engine or transmission warning light on
  • Transmission stuck in limp mode
  • No shifts or stuck in one gear
  • Harsh or delayed shifts
  • Slipping during acceleration
  • Worse fuel economy

Possible causes

  1. Broken wire to the solenoid in the harness
  2. Failed pressure control solenoid (open winding)
  3. Corroded or loose connector at the transmission
  4. Damaged internal transmission harness
  5. Faulty driver inside the TCM/PCM
  6. Fluid or moisture in the connector

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze-frame data, record them, then clear and see if P0960 returns
  2. Check fluid level and condition where the transmission has a check method
  3. Inspect the harness and transmission connector for damage, corrosion, and fluid leaks
  4. Test wire continuity from the control module to the solenoid with a multimeter
  5. Measure solenoid winding resistance and compare it with the service manual spec
  6. Verify power and ground to the circuit using the wiring diagram
  7. If wiring and solenoid are good, test the control module and reflash or replace it as needed

Common fixes

  • Repair the broken wire or replace the damaged harness section
  • Clean and secure the connector, replace damaged terminals
  • Replace the pressure control solenoid
  • Change fluid and filter if contaminated
  • Repair or replace the TCM

P0960 on different brands

Ford · manuals
On Ford, the extended code P0960:11 indicates a short to ground in this circuit; it describes the detected circuit condition rather than a confirmed failed part.

Questions and answers

What does P0960 mean?

It means the transmission module sees an open circuit in pressure control solenoid A. The module can't drive the solenoid properly, so fluid pressure isn't regulated correctly.

Can I drive with P0960?

Only a short distance, such as to a shop. The transmission is likely in limp mode, and driving for long can damage the clutches.

How do I fix P0960?

Start by checking the wiring and connector, then the solenoid resistance. Most often the fix is a harness repair or a new solenoid; a faulty control module is less common.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.