AutoCodes – Saturn – P0971 Saturn

P0971 Saturn Code - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The clutch pressure control (PC) solenoid 3 is part of the control solenoid valve assembly which has no serviceable components. Common causes include Faulty Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3, Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 harness is open or shorted, Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P0971 Saturn indicates Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3, Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 harness is open or shorted, Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 circuit poor electrical connection.
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 5,567

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 Aug 04, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0971 Saturn Description

The clutch pressure control (PC) solenoid 3 is part of the control solenoid valve assembly which has no serviceable components. The normally high clutch PC solenoid 3 regulates and directs oil pressure to the R1/4-5-6 regulator valve. Increasing clutch PC solenoid 3 pressure increases pressure to the low and reverse clutch or 4-5-6 clutch, depending on the position of the clutch select valve. The transmission control module (TCM) PC Solenoid 3 low side driver varies current to the solenoid. Decreasing the current to clutch PC solenoid 3 increases oil pressure by closing off the solenoid exhaust port. Increasing the current to the clutch PC solenoid 3 decreases oil pressure by opening the exhaust port. Clutch PC solenoid 3 power is supplied by the TCM through a high side driver (HSD). The HSD protects the circuit and components from excessive current flow. If an excessive current flow is detected, the HSD will turn OFF. When the fault is corrected, the HSD will reset.

OBDII Code P0971 Saturn - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0971 Saturn Code - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit High Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0971 Saturn?

Faulty Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3
Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 harness is open or shorted
Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0971 Saturn?

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 P0971 Saturn 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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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.