What Is the P0965 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
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Difficulty of Inspecting
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The P0965 code definition is “Pressure Control Solenoid B Control Circuit Range/Performance.” This means your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has detected that your pressure control solenoid “B” has a control circuit that is returning an unexpected error. This doesn’t mean the pressure control solenoid is broken, but the control circuit isn’t responding correctly. You may find this code in almost any OBD-II vehicle with an automatic transmission engine, as this is a generic diagnostic trouble code.
More About Error Code P0965
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the transmission system will almost certainly have at least three pressure control solenoids, usually defined as “A,” “B,” and “C.” However, newer transmissions may have additional transmission solenoids. These transmission pressure control solenoids help your vehicle adjust the pressure of the automatic transmission fluid, ensuring you shift gears smoothly. If the control circuit for the “B” pressure control solenoid is not within the manufacturer’s specifications, the PCM will set code P0965.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0965 Code?
You may see many symptoms associated with the P0965 error code. This includes transmission problems, like transmission overheating, transmission slippage, and harsh transmission shifting. General increased fuel consumption is also very common, and you may hear and experience symptoms similar to misfires. In some cases, the PCM may put the transmission into Limp Mode, putting an upper limit on vehicle speed and potentially freezing the transmission so it doesn’t shift at all. You should also see the check engine light turn on.
What Are Some Causes of a P0965 Code?
Similar to the number of symptoms associated with code P0965, there are also many potential causes of the P0965 generic trouble code. Here are just a few causes that you may need to consider:
- Faulty or defective pressure control solenoid
- Faulty or defective transmission pump
- Faulty or defective transmission valve body
- Contaminated transmission fluid
- Restricted or clogged transmission filter
- Blocked hydraulic passages
- Corroded or damaged connectors
- Faulty or damaged wiring and electrical circuits
The problem might also lie with a faulty PCM in certain rare cases, but this is immensely uncommon.
How Serious Is the P0965 Code?
When you first see DTC P0965, it’s likely moderate in severity. However, this trouble code can easily progress once you see severe problems. An issue with your pressure control solenoid can result in general problems and internal damage throughout the transmission body. You must handle the P0965 code as early as possible for the best result.
Can I Still Drive with a P0965 Code?
You definitely should not drive with the P0965 code active. As indicated, the problem usually starts fairly mild to moderate but progresses over time until it’s impossible to ignore. One of the reasons it progresses is because you keep driving your vehicle. When you know that the P0965 fault code is present within your vehicle, you should stop driving to get expert assistance and fix the problem without misdiagnosis or other issues that might require a follow-up repair.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0965 Code?
The number of possible causes of the P0965 generic transmission code should be enough to convince you that this is a challenging code to diagnose. Common repairs may include replacing faulty components, cleaning corrosion, replacing faulty wiring, flushing transmission fluid, and changing your vehicle’s transmission filter. Plus, you must avoid misdiagnosis with problems like an engine misfire or an internal transmission problem. If you have little experience with transmissions, getting an expert’s help is best.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0965 Code?
To inspect the P0965 code, you’ll need to manage misdiagnoses, perform a visual inspection, follow a diagnostic flowchart, utilize technical references, and understand what problems you might be facing versus which problems are occurring. Especially when it comes to advanced steps, you may need specialty tools, you might need to research technical service bulletins for your specific vehicle, and you will need extensive experience with the P0965 code. If you don’t have all that, finding an experienced mechanic can help you figure out a solution.
Need Additional Help with Your P0965 Code?
It’s common to need additional help with the P0965 code, especially if you’re not an experienced DIYer. There are lots of experts who are ready and willing to help you out.
You should find an auto repair shop in your area as your first step. A local automobile repair shop will help you discover and fix the issue hassle-free.
You can also avoid misdiagnosis by checking every diagnostic trouble code on your code scanner. The OBD-II database at KBB.com will give you insight into other fault codes you might be seeing.
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