P0973 Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low

P0973 indicates a low shift solenoid A control circuit signal. The control path for solenoid A is lower than expected.

Code details

Generic OBD-II · P0

System: Transmission
Code type: Generic (SAE / ISO controlled)
Standard: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6

Diagnostic boundary

A diagnostic trouble code reports that a monitored test failed. It does not prove one specific part is bad, and manufacturer logic can add vehicle-specific conditions.

Do not replace transmission mechanical parts before testing the low shift solenoid A control circuit.

Symptoms of P0973

Harsh, delayed, or slipping shifts, or being stuck in one gear.
Check-engine light, sometimes with limp-home mode.
Flaring RPM or a shudder under load.

Common causes of P0973

Low or degraded transmission fluid.
A failing speed sensor, shift solenoid, or pressure-control circuit.
Wiring, connector, or internal hydraulic/mechanical faults.

Useful checks before replacing parts

Check shift solenoid A control wiring, internal harness, case connector, terminal tension, and short-to-ground faults.
Compare solenoid command with circuit voltage or current and actual shift behavior.
Review companion ratio, shift, and solenoid codes to understand whether the low circuit is causing limp mode.

Related OBD-II codes

These nearby transmission entries can help compare wording and pin down the fault area.