Whenever the computer instructs the transmission to shift gears, it activates a shift solenoid by sending an electrical charge through a coil of wire wrapped around the solenoid mechanism. If there is an abnormally high signal from the shift solenoid C control circuit, a DTC P0980 will be triggered.
How severe is the code?
The severity of a diagnostic code P0980 may not be too bad initially. However, the transmission issues associated with this OBDII code will eventually intensify to the point that the transmission will not function properly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0980 include:
- Harsh shifting
- Transmission cannot shift into gear
Causes
- Transmission fluid level is too low
- Transmission fluid is too dirty
- Damaged/broken wires
- Broken/corroded connectors
- Shift solenoid failure
How to diagnose the code?
Dirty or low transmission fluid will actually cause an OBDII P0980 trouble code, so this must be checked first. If the ATF is clean and bright, then the wiring and connectors along the transmission wiring harness need to be inspected. If no broken wires or corroded/broken connectors are found, the shift solenoid C will need to be checked.
What repairs will fix P0980?
- Service the transmission
- Replace or repair damaged wires/connectors
- Replace the shift solenoid