P0967 — Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Control Circuit High

P0967 — Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Control Circuit High. A fault in the automatic transmission control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Typical causes: faulty transmission speed sensor, wiring or connector faults in the valve body harness, failed shift or pressure control solenoid.

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P0967 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the automatic transmission control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
Subsystem check With the pressure control solenoid "B" control disconnected, measure signal voltage at the harness connector: a high reading with the component unplugged indicates a short to power in the harness; if it drops to normal, the component itself is faulty.
Subsystem check Check transmission fluid level and condition — dark, burnt fluid points to internal wear.
Subsystem check Read transmission-specific codes and live data (solenoid states, input/output speed) with a capable scanner.
Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P0967 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P0967 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Transmission rebuild or replacement: $2,500–$5,500; Valve body repair or replacement: $700–$1,500; Replace a shift solenoid: $300–$800; Transmission fluid service: $150–$350. Overall, fixing P0967 usually costs between $150 and $5,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

Is it safe to drive with P0967?

Drive only if the transmission still shifts predictably, and avoid highway speeds. Driving with slipping or limp mode accelerates internal wear — every kilometre can add to the final repair bill.

What is the most common cause of P0967?

The most common causes are: faulty transmission speed sensor, wiring or connector faults in the valve body harness, failed shift or pressure control solenoid.

How do I diagnose P0967 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P0967, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the pressure control solenoid "B" control, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

How much does it cost to fix P0967?

Transmission rebuild or replacement — $2,500–$5,500; Valve body repair or replacement — $700–$1,500; Replace a shift solenoid — $300–$800; Transmission fluid service — $150–$350. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What does OBD2 code P0967 mean?

P0967 is a powertrain fault code that points directly at the automatic transmission. Specifically, it indicates that the control circuit for pressure control solenoid "B" is reading a voltage that is higher than it should be — essentially a "circuit high" condition. The transmission control module (TCM) or engine control module (ECM) constantly monitors the electrical feedback from the pressure control solenoid, which manages fluid pressure within the valve body to control shift quality and feel. When the voltage climbs close to battery level — far above the expected operating range — the module recognizes something is wrong and flags the fault.

The module does not store P0967 after a single bad reading. It must confirm the problem across multiple verification cycles under specific driving conditions before it lights up the check engine light and logs the failure. The freeze frame data captured alongside P0967 is particularly useful: it records engine load, RPM, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault was detected. These parameters give you a roadmap for reproducing the problem during testing, so you can observe the fault live rather than chasing ghosts.

Understanding why this matters starts with the solenoid itself. Pressure control solenoid "B" is an electronically actuated valve inside the valve body that regulates hydraulic line pressure. It receives a pulse-width modulated signal from the control module and responds by opening or closing to adjust fluid flow. When the circuit goes "high," the module loses its ability to command the solenoid properly. The result is uncommanded line pressure changes, which manifests as harsh shifts, slippage, or complete loss of gear engagement.

Common Symptoms of P0967

Noticeable shuddering or vibration at highway speeds
Complete lack of movement in severe cases (car will not move)
Harsh, jerky, or delayed gear engagements
Unwanted slippage between gears under load
Transmission locked in a single gear, often referred to as limp mode
Intermittent check engine light linked to transmission performance

What Causes P0967?

Signal wire to the solenoid shorted directly to battery positive voltage
Pressure control solenoid "B" itself has failed and is pulling the circuit high
Open or broken ground return path for the solenoid control circuit
Degraded or low transmission fluid unable to maintain proper hydraulic pressure
Damaged wiring or corroded connectors in the valve body harness
Faulty transmission input or output speed sensor sending conflicting data
Internal mechanical wear such as worn clutch plates or torque converter issues

How to Diagnose P0967

Connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm P0967 is stored in the powertrain control module. Save the freeze frame data — this snapshot records the engine conditions present when the fault first appeared and guides your road test.
Scan for any other stored codes. Related transmission or sensor codes often point to the root cause rather than the symptom. Check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your specific make and model — some P0xxx codes have known factory fixes or software updates published.
Perform a visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors feeding the automatic transmission control system. Look for chafed insulation, broken wires, corrosion at the pins, and any signs of prior repairs that may have been done incorrectly.
With the pressure control solenoid "B" disconnected, back-probe the harness connector and measure signal voltage. If the reading stays high with the solenoid unplugged, the harness itself has a short to power. If the voltage drops to normal reference levels, the solenoid is the failed component.
Check transmission fluid level and condition. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid suggests internal heat damage and component wear, which points toward a more extensive repair than a simple solenoid replacement.
Clear the code, perform a full drive cycle including the conditions recorded in the freeze frame, and verify whether P0967 returns. A one-time code that does not repeat may indicate a temporary electrical glitch.

Repair Options and Costs

The appropriate fix depends entirely on which part failed. Begin with the least expensive possibilities before committing to major repairs:

Transmission rebuild or replacement: $2,500–$5,500
Valve body repair or replacement: $700–$1,500
Replace pressure control solenoid "B": $300–$800
Transmission fluid and filter service: $150–$350

Overall, fixing P0967 typically falls between $150 and $5,500 depending on the root cause. A solenoid replacement or fluid service represents the low end, while a full transmission rebuild or replacement sits at the high end. An accurate diagnosis before purchasing parts is the single best way to avoid unnecessary spending.

Can You Drive with P0967?

Exercise caution. If the transmission still moves the vehicle and shifts predictably without slipping, short distances on lower-speed roads are reasonable while you arrange repairs. Avoid highway speeds and aggressive driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with slipping gears or an active limp mode accelerates internal wear and can transform a $300 solenoid fix into a $4,000 transmission rebuild. The moment you notice harsh engagement or total loss of drive, have the vehicle towed rather than risk further damage.