AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0966 Pontiac

P0966 Pontiac Code - Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The clutch Pressure Control (PC) solenoid 2 is part of the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly and is not serviced separately. Common causes include Faulty Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2, Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 harness is open or shorted, Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 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: P0966 Pontiac indicates Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2, Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 harness is open or shorted, Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 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 1,527

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
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0966 Pontiac Description

The clutch Pressure Control (PC) solenoid 2 is part of the control solenoid (w/body and TCM) valve assembly and is not serviced separately. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) supplies 12 volts to the clutch PC solenoid 2 on the high side driver 2 circuit. The TCM control the PC solenoid 2 through the clutch PC solenoid 2 control circuit. The normally high clutch PC solenoid 2 flows fluid to the 3-5-R clutch when commanded OFF and exhausts fluid when commanded ON. The clutch PC 2 regulates the transmission fluid pressure to the 3-5-R clutch.

OBDII Code P0966 Pontiac - Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0966 Pontiac Code - Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 Control Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0966 Pontiac?

Faulty Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2
Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 harness is open or shorted
Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0966 Pontiac?

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 P0966 Pontiac 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0966 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0966 mean on a Pontiac?

P0966 indicates a low voltage issue in the control circuit for Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid 2, which regulates hydraulic pressure in the transmission.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0966 code in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include harsh shifting, transmission slipping, poor acceleration, transmission overheating, or the vehicle going into limp mode.

3. What causes the P0966 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty clutch pressure control solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors, low transmission fluid, or a failure in the transmission control module (TCM).

4. Can I drive my Pontiac with a P0966 code?

Driving with a P0966 code is not recommended as it can damage the transmission further and compromise vehicle performance and safety.

5. How do I diagnose a P0966 code on my Pontiac?

Diagnosis involves checking the transmission fluid level, inspecting the solenoid and its wiring for damage, and using a multimeter to test the control circuit voltage.

6. How is the P0966 code fixed on a Pontiac?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty solenoid, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, adding or changing transmission fluid, or reprogramming the TCM if needed.

7. What transmission fluid issues can cause a P0966 code?

Low, dirty, or incorrect transmission fluid can lead to insufficient hydraulic pressure, causing solenoid control issues and triggering the code.

8. How much does it cost to fix a P0966 code on a Pontiac?

Repair costs can vary but may range from $150 to $400 for solenoid replacement, plus additional costs if wiring repairs or TCM programming are required.

9. Can a faulty TCM cause the P0966 code in a Pontiac?

Yes, a malfunctioning transmission control module can fail to properly regulate the solenoid, resulting in a low voltage condition and triggering the code.

10. Will clearing the P0966 code fix the problem?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying issue will only provide a temporary solution, and the code is likely to return. Proper diagnosis and repair are necessary.