AutoCodes – Generic – P0969

P0969 Code - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance

Quick Answer

The pressure control solenoid 3 is part of the control solenoid valve assembly which has no serviceable parts. Common causes include Low transmission fluid, Faulty Control Solenoid Valve Assembly, Control Solenoid Valve Assembly harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0969 indicates Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Low transmission fluid, Faulty Control Solenoid Valve Assembly, Control Solenoid Valve Assembly harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 9,589

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 25, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0969 Description

The pressure control solenoid 3 is part of the control solenoid valve assembly which has no serviceable parts. The normally high-pressure control solenoid 3 regulates and directs the pressure control solenoid 3 oil pressure to the 4-5-6 clutch regulator valve and 4-5-6 clutch boost valve. Increasing pressure control solenoid 3 oil pressure increases oil pressure to the 4-5-6 clutch assembly. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) varies the current to the pressure control solenoid 3 through a low side driver. Decreasing the current to the pressure control solenoid 3 increases pressure control solenoid 3 oil pressure by closing OFF the solenoid exhaust port. Increasing the current to the pressure control solenoid 3 decreases pressure control solenoid 3 oil pressure by opening the solenoid exhaust port. Pressure control solenoid 3 power is supplied by the Transmission Control Module through a high side driver. The high-side driver protects the circuit and components from excessive current flow. If excessive current flow is detected, the high side driver will turn OFF. When the fault is corrected the high-side driver will reset.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the Transmission Control Module detects an internal electrical malfunction on the pressure control solenoid 3 control circuit where the measured pressure control solenoid 3 current does not equal the commanded clutch pressure control solenoid 3 current for 5 s.

OBDII Code P0969 - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0969 Code - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0969?

Low transmission fluid
Faulty Control Solenoid Valve Assembly
Control Solenoid Valve Assembly harness is open or shorted
Control Solenoid Valve Assembly circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0969?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0969 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

P0969 Buick — Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance
P0969 Cadillac — Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance
P0969 Chevrolet — Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance
P0969 Dodge — Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Control Circuit Range/Performance
P0969 GMC — Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance
P0969 Pontiac — Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance
P0969 Saturn — Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Performance

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.