Error Code P0796: What It Means & What To Do?

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The OBD diagnostic error P0796 is a generic transmission trouble code and applies basically to all OBD-II vehicles that are equipped with an automatic transmission. The diagnostic steps for the code however, will vary depending on the vehicle model, year of manufacture, engine configuration, company etc. This code is set by the Powertrain Control Module when it notices a fault with the transmission pressure control solenoid “C”. Most vehicles with automatic transmissions incorporate min of three solenoid names A, B and C. You may also find other relate trouble codes set like; P0795, P0796, P0797, P0798 and P0799. Depending on the malfunction the code is set upon alerting the PCM. The Check Engine light also illuminates.

The Transmission Pressure Control Solenoids have a purpose; which is to control the pressure of the fluid in-order to provide the correct operation of an automatic transmission. An electronic signal is received by the PCM which is based on the pressure within the solenoids. The auto transmission control module is basically controlled by bands and clutches, these change the gears by managing the fluid pressure in the right place at the right time as needed by the driver. It is the PCM that controls the pressure solenoids in directing the fluid at the appropriate pressure, it does so base on the signal received from associated devices that monitor the speed of the vehicle. These hydraulic circuits change the transmission gear ratio at the required time.

The Pressure control solenoids are used by the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in-order to control the hydraulic pressure in the transmission. This pressure is needed to apply the different clutch packs in the transmission system. These in turn provide the range of ratios as needed to efficiently propel the automobile on road. The P0796 code is set when the TCM module detects a performance issue with the pressure control solenoid.

What causes this problem with the Pressure Control Solenoid C Performance or Stuck?

• Defectiveness found in the Pressure Control Solenoid
• Dirt in the transmission fluid which has contaminated it
• Transmission filter has become dirty or clogged
• Defect of the Transmission Pump
• Defect in the Transmission Valve Body
• Restrictions in the Hydraulic Passages
• Corrosion or damage of the connector
• Improper Or Damaged Wiring
• Fault in the PCM

1. Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid - Depending on the extent of damage, you may be able to get by with repairs, if not, then you will have to opt for replacement. Do this and get rid of your P0796 code from flashing!
2. Automatic Transmission Fluid - You will have to replace the contaminated fluid. Do it with good quality transmission fluid only and save yourself from other potential transmission related damages. Buy today from a Parts Avatar warehouse near you in Toronto.
3. Transmission Filter - Once you have found any damages or blockages with the filter, you will have to either repair or replace it depending on the need. Parts Avatar provides the best aftermarket auto parts for you, simply order online and receive your order with few days!
4. Transmission Pump - Try to repair, otherwise you will have to opt for replacement of the pump. Resolve the P0796 code easily by replacing with good quality parts only.
5. Transmission Valve - May require replacement if repairs aren’t solving the problems. You can order from the comfort of your home, and choose between a wide range of brands and parts. We offer free shipping all across Canada on orders over $99.
6. Transmission Connector - Find the perfect connector compatible with your vehicle on Parts Avatar. We stock a huge variety of products to suit your budget with 24/7 customer care support on our website. Don’t worry and place your order today!

For us our customers are everything, and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0796 code by mentioning some important symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• Vehicle will enter into limp mode
• When shifting the transmission will slip
• Transmission starts to overheat
• Transmission gets caught in gear
• Reduced fuel economy
• Misfire-like symptoms may be noted
• Check Engine Light gets illuminated after code is set

After you know the symptoms of your vehicle’s problem, it becomes easy to detect it and get started with solving it. So, next on our list is few common steps to correct this issue with your vehicle’s.

There are some ways that a technician can correct a P0796 code error some are:

• Replacing the faulty electronic pressure control solenoid
• Clearing the blocked transmission fluid passages
• Refiling low or cleaning the dirty transmission fluid.
• Repairing or replacing faulty electrical components within the circuit that may be damaged
• Correcting any internal transmission failures

Apart from this, you might need to replace other damaged parts too like Pressure Control Solenoid, Contaminated Fluid, Transmission Filter, Transmission Pump, Transmission Valve, Damaged Connector and more. You can easily find all these parts with us. Not only that you can get these parts shipped to your door free, if your cart value happens to exceed $99.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code but before that you have to get hold of your vehicles Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's). Match them by the year of manufacturing, model and engine. Try to find out when the last fluid check was done for your vehicle, in general it’s good to keep a tab on this in-order to avoid problems with the transmission system in the future.

Step 1 - Strat off by checking the transmission fluid, is it in the optimum quantity and is it contaminated with dirt or debris. You may also find that it smells burnt, all these are signs of unfit fLuid for your vehicle. Before you change the fluid try to find out when the filter and fluid was changed last. Accordingly make the necessary corrections.

Step 2 - Visual inspection of the wiring, this has to be detailed and requires some patience too. Check the connectors and the connections for security, any corrosion or damaged pins also should be noted. Be thorough and perform this wiring and connectors inspection of the transmission pressure control solenoids, the transmission pump and the PCM. Depending on the configuration of your vehicle the transmission pump may be mechanical or electrically driven.

Step 3 - These are very vehicle specific and hence require some advanced equipment too so that they can yield accurate results. Obtain all the troubleshooting guidelines from your vehicle manufacturer, and proceed with performing the advanced diagnostic steps. The voltage requirement varies from vehicle to vehicle, so it’s important to have sound knowledge and information. The variation in fluid pressure requirements are based on the design of the transmission and its configuration.

Step 4 - The normal readings for all wiring as well as connectors should be typically 0 ohms of resistance, however it may be different if specified so in the technical data. Continuity checks have to be performed and should be done with the power removed from all the circuits. This is to avoid shorting the circuit and causing more damage. If you find that there is resistance or no continuity, the it is safe to conclude the fault lying with open or shorted wires. These damages wires will have to be repaired or replaced as per need.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0796 Code

Possibly the most common misdiagnosis of this P0796 error is replacing the high-pressure pump when the problem lies with the solenoid or the electrical wiring.