Open or damaged wire in the shift solenoid E control circuit, such as a broken conductor or corroded connector; Faulty shift solenoid E itself, with an open internal coil or failed electrical connection; Poor electrical connection at the solenoid or transmission harness connector, often due to contamination or loose pins; Transmission control module (TCM) internal fault affecting the solenoid driver circuit; Damaged or chafed wiring harness between the TCM and transmission, often from heat or vibration; Low transmission fluid level or contaminated fluid causing solenoid malfunction, though less likely to set an open-circuit code directly

DTC codes / P09xx · Transmission / P097E

P097EShift Solenoid E Control Circuit/Open

Q: What does code P097E mean?

Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit/Open. P097E indicates that the transmission control module (TCM) has detected an open circuit or excessive resistance in the electrical path for shift solenoid E, which is one of the solenoids that controls hydraulic pressure for gear shifting. The TCM monitors the solenoid's control circuit and sets this code when the expected current flow is absent or out of range, meaning the solenoid may not receive the command to actuate.

P097E indicates that the transmission control module (TCM) has detected an open circuit or excessive resistance in the electrical path for shift solenoid E, which is one of the solenoids that controls hydraulic pressure for gear shifting. The TCM monitors the solenoid's control circuit and sets this code when the expected current flow is absent or out of range, meaning the solenoid may not receive the command to actuate.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaTransmission

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or transmission warning light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Harsh or delayed gear shifts, especially when the transmission attempts to engage the gear controlled by solenoid E
Transmission may enter limp mode, limiting vehicle speed and available gears
Slipping or flaring during shifts, where engine speed rises without corresponding vehicle acceleration
In some cases, the transmission may fail to shift into certain gears altogether

Common causes, most likely first

Open or damaged wire in the shift solenoid E control circuit, such as a broken conductor or corroded connector
Faulty shift solenoid E itself, with an open internal coil or failed electrical connection
Poor electrical connection at the solenoid or transmission harness connector, often due to contamination or loose pins
Transmission control module (TCM) internal fault affecting the solenoid driver circuit
Damaged or chafed wiring harness between the TCM and transmission, often from heat or vibration
Low transmission fluid level or contaminated fluid causing solenoid malfunction, though less likely to set an open-circuit code directly

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related transmission codes before proceeding
Inspect the transmission fluid level and condition, and top off or service as needed
Visually inspect the solenoid E wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Measure the resistance of shift solenoid E at the transmission connector and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Check for continuity and voltage on the control circuit between the TCM and solenoid to identify an open or short
If the circuit tests good, replace shift solenoid E and clear the code to see if it returns
If the code persists after solenoid replacement, diagnose the TCM and its programming or consider internal transmission damage

What a P097E open circuit really means

An open circuit code does not always mean the solenoid is dead; a corroded connector or chafed wire often causes the same symptom and is far cheaper to fix.
Some vehicles use a single solenoid for multiple gears, so a failure may only affect one shift while other gears operate normally, masking the problem.
Transmission fluid that is low or contaminated can cause solenoid performance issues, but an open-circuit code typically points to an electrical fault rather than a hydraulic one.
After replacing a solenoid, always clear the adaptive learning memory; otherwise the TCM may continue to shift harshly and mimic a recurring fault.
A faulty TCM driver circuit can set this code even when the solenoid and wiring test good, so don't overlook the module itself in persistent cases.

Can I keep driving with P097E?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing because the transmission may enter limp mode or shift unpredictably. If the vehicle is already in limp mode or shifts harshly, limit driving to essential trips only.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.