P0960 Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Control Circuit/Open
P0960 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Control Circuit/Open” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.
Ask the AI about P0960 on your car- System
- Powertrain (P)
- Code type
- Generic (SAE)
- Range
- P09xx
What the wording tells you
“Open” means the module found a break in the circuit — no current flowing where there should be. Check the connector (unplugged, corroded, a pushed-back pin), the wire, the fuse and the component’s own coil or element.
“A”: where a car has several identical components, SAE tells them apart with letters. Which physical part is “A” is defined by the manufacturer — check the service information for your car before replacing it.
Can I keep driving with P0960?
The rule of thumb for this area (transmission): Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon. If the transmission is in limp mode, slipping or shifting harshly, keep driving to a minimum — carrying on can turn a sensor fault into a rebuild.
How P0960 breaks down
Powertrain. Engine, transmission, fuel and emissions — the codes behind the check engine lamp.
Generic code: defined by SAE, the same on every make.
Transmission.
The specific fault within this range.
Where to look: Transmission
Automatic, dual-clutch and automated manual transmissions: shift and pressure-control solenoids, speed sensors, gear-ratio monitoring, the torque converter clutch, fluid temperature and pressure, range sensors and transfer cases.
Typical causes in this area
- Low, old or wrong transmission fluid
- Failed solenoids or speed sensors
- Wiring and connectors at the transmission
- Internal wear — clutches, bands, the torque converter
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Frequently asked
What does P0960 mean?
P0960 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Control Circuit/Open” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.
Can I drive with P0960?
The rule of thumb for this area (transmission): Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon. If the transmission is in limp mode, slipping or shifting harshly, keep driving to a minimum — carrying on can turn a sensor fault into a rebuild.
What causes P0960?
“Open” means the module found a break in the circuit — no current flowing where there should be. Check the connector (unplugged, corroded, a pushed-back pin), the wire, the fuse and the component’s own coil or element. Typical causes in this area: Low, old or wrong transmission fluid; Failed solenoids or speed sensors; Wiring and connectors at the transmission; Internal wear — clutches, bands, the torque converter.
How do I clear P0960?
Fix the cause first, then clear it with any OBD2 scanner or app. Once the fault is gone the car also clears it on its own: the check engine lamp goes off after the self-test passes on three drive cycles in a row, and the stored code ages out after about 40 warm-ups. Clearing without a repair only hides it for a while — and resets the readiness monitors an emissions inspection looks at.
Is P0960 the same on every car?
Yes. P0960 is a generic SAE J2012 code, so its definition is identical on every make and model. What differs is the cause behind it and the repair procedure, which depend on the engine — that’s why the assistant on this page asks for your car.
Guides
Definitions: the generic SAE J2012 codes from Brimly’s offline dictionary (data version 2026.09). Causes and advice are general guidance for all makes — the service information for your car has the last word.