AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0971 Pontiac

P0971 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 1,424

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0971 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 P0971 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 P0971 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 P0971 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0971 mean on a Pontiac?

The P0971 code indicates an issue with the Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 3 control circuit, specifically that it has a high voltage condition.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0971 code in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include harsh or erratic shifting, transmission slipping, reduced fuel efficiency, or the transmission going into "limp mode."

3. What causes the P0971 code to appear?

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

4. Can driving with the P0971 code damage my Pontiac's transmission?

Yes, continuing to drive with this code active can lead to further transmission damage if the underlying issue is not addressed promptly.

5. How can I diagnose the P0971 code in my Pontiac?

Diagnosis involves checking the transmission fluid level, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the pressure control solenoid, and scanning the TCM for additional codes.

6. How do I fix the P0971 code on a Pontiac?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty pressure control solenoid, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the transmission control module.

7. What tools are needed to troubleshoot the P0971 code?

You may need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, and potentially a transmission pressure gauge to diagnose the issue accurately.

8. Is the P0971 code specific to Pontiac vehicles?

No, the P0971 code is a generic OBDII code and can appear in various makes and models, but the specifics of the repair process may vary by vehicle.

9. Can low transmission fluid cause the P0971 code?

Yes, low or contaminated transmission fluid can lead to improper solenoid operation and trigger the P0971 code.

10. How much does it cost to repair the P0971 code on a Pontiac?

Repair costs can vary, ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on whether the issue is with the solenoid, wiring, or the transmission control module.