AutoCodesBuick – P171A Buick

P171A Buick Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Accumulator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The automatic transmission auxiliary fluid accumulator is used to supply transmission fluid line pressure following an Autostop event. Common causes include Faulty Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve, Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve 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
P171A Buick indicates Transmission Fluid Pressure Accumulator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve, Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve 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 873
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 26, 2021
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Code P171A Buick Description

The automatic transmission auxiliary fluid accumulator is used to supply transmission fluid line pressure following an Autostop event. The accumulator has a solenoid valve which controls the charging and discharge of the accumulator pressure. Power to the solenoid is provided from an ignition circuit. The Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 1 controls the accumulator solenoid by providing the ground path to the control circuit. The Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 1 detects an open circuit on the transmission surge solenoid circuit for 1 s.
OBDII Code P171A Buick - Transmission Fluid Pressure Accumulator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P171A Buick Code - Transmission Fluid Pressure Accumulator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P171A Buick?

  • Faulty Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve
  • Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted
  • Automatic Transmission Accumulator Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 1

How to Fix the DTC P171A Buick?

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 P171A Buick 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.

Need more information about the P171A Buick code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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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 P171A Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P171A mean on a Buick?

P171A indicates an issue with the Transmission Fluid Pressure Accumulator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit, which is responsible for regulating hydraulic pressure in the transmission.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P171A code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include harsh or delayed shifting, erratic transmission performance, transmission slipping, or the Check Engine Light being illuminated.

3. What causes the P171A code to be triggered?

Common causes include a faulty transmission fluid pressure accumulator solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, low transmission fluid, or internal transmission issues.

4. Can driving with a P171A code damage my Buick?

Yes, continuing to drive with this code may cause further damage to the transmission, as improper fluid pressure regulation can lead to excessive wear and overheating.

5. How is a P171A code diagnosed?

A technician will typically use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the solenoid and wiring for damage, check transmission fluid levels, and perform circuit tests to locate the issue.

6. How do you fix a P171A code on a Buick?

Repairs may involve replacing the transmission fluid pressure accumulator solenoid, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, refilling or flushing the transmission fluid, or addressing internal transmission problems.

7. Can low transmission fluid cause the P171A code?

Yes, insufficient transmission fluid can affect hydraulic pressure levels and trigger this code. Always check and maintain proper fluid levels.

8. How much does it cost to repair a P171A code in a Buick?

The cost depends on the specific issue but may range from $150 to $500 for solenoid replacement or wiring repairs. Internal transmission repairs may be more expensive.

9. Can a P171A code be cleared without repairs?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause will likely result in the code returning, as the underlying issue remains unresolved.

10. Is the P171A code specific to Buick vehicles?

While P171A can appear in other vehicles, it is most commonly associated with certain Buick models and their specific transmission systems. Always check your vehicle’s service manual for details.

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