Whenever the transmission shifts gears, pressurized hydraulic fluid is used to achieve this. This pressure is directed by small piston-like devices called solenoids. If the ECU detects that the shift solenoid D is not operating according to its preprogrammed parameters, a DTC P0981 will be recorded.
How severe is the code?
Although the symptoms associated with a diagnostic code P0981 may not be very severe initially, they can quickly worsen to the point where your vehicle cannot be driven safely.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0981 include:
- Harsh shifting
- Transmission cannot shift into gear
Causes
- Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty fluid/filter
- Corroded/broken connectors and/or damaged wiring
- Malfunctioning shift solenoid
How to diagnose the code?
Since shift solenoids are designed to control the flow of pressurized transmission fluid, the level and condition of the transmission fluid can have a huge effect on their operation. Therefore, diagnosing an OBDII P0981 trouble code should start with checking the transmission fluid level and condition. Provided it is clean and at the correct level, the wiring and connectors along the transmission wiring harness will need to be inspected for signs of damage and corrosion. If no issues are found at this point, the shift solenoid D itself will need to be inspected.
What repairs will fix P0981?
- Service the transmission
- Replace or repair damaged wiring/connectors
- Replace the shift solenoid
Related Codes
P0982 – Shift Solenoid “D” Control Circuit Low
P0983 – Shift Solenoid “D” Control Circuit High