AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0970 Pontiac

P0970 Pontiac Code - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit Low 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: P0970 Pontiac indicates Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit Low 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 1,559

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 P0970 Pontiac 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 P0970 Pontiac - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0970 Pontiac Code - Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 Control Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0970 Pontiac?

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 P0970 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 P0970 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 P0970 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0970 mean on a Pontiac?

P0970 indicates a low voltage issue in the control circuit for Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3, which helps regulate transmission fluid pressure.

2. What are the common symptoms of P0970 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, poor fuel economy, or the transmission staying in a single gear (limp mode).

3. What causes the P0970 code to appear?

Possible causes include a faulty pressure control solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors in the control circuit, low transmission fluid, or a malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM).

4. Can low transmission fluid trigger the P0970 code?

Yes, low or contaminated transmission fluid can cause erratic solenoid operation and lead to the P0970 code.

5. How do I diagnose a P0970 code on my Pontiac?

Start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition, inspecting the solenoid wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the solenoid for proper operation using a multimeter.

6. Can I still drive my Pontiac with a P0970 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to further transmission damage and unsafe driving conditions.

7. How is the P0970 code usually repaired?

Repairs may involve replacing the faulty solenoid, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, refilling or flushing the transmission fluid, or reprogramming or replacing the TCM.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0970 code on a Pontiac?

Repair costs can range from $150 to $400 for solenoid replacement, but costs may vary depending on additional repairs or diagnostics needed.

9. Can a bad battery cause the P0970 code?

A weak or failing battery can cause voltage issues that might contribute to this code, but itâ€™s less common than other causes.

10. Is the P0970 code specific to Pontiacs?

No, the P0970 code is a generic OBDII code that can apply to various makes and models, but the troubleshooting and repair process may differ slightly for each vehicle.