P0796: Pressure Control Solenoid C Performance/Stuck Off
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Briefly and gently, same as the rest of the pressure family - slipping is the symptom that should shorten the trip.
Symptoms
- Slipping or flare in specific gears
- Harsh engagements
- Gear ratio codes alongside
- Limp mode in severe cases
Likely causes, most common first
- Pressure control solenoid C stuck by contamination
- Low or degraded fluid
- Valve body passage wear
- Internal leak in the affected clutch circuit
Read P0796 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0796 adds solenoid C to the pressure-control roll call: commanded pressure in its circuit is not arriving, and the computer sees the evidence in gear ratios that drift when specific clutches should hold. Which gears misbehave depends on which clutches this solenoid feeds on your particular transmission - the pattern is a fingerprint a transmission shop reads quickly.
The diagnostic economics repeat for the whole family, and they are worth restating because they save real money: fluid service resolves a meaningful fraction; solenoids are the moderate middle; valve bodies and internal clutch work are the expensive end that only a pressure test can honestly prescribe. What changes the odds is history - a transmission never serviced in 150,000 miles has earned its varnish, and a fluid change is both diagnosis and treatment in one.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0796
“The transmission failed while driving on a highway the transmission went into limp mode reducing speed down to 1st gear almost causing a wreck . Codes read p0700 and p0796 .after drawing transmission fluid it looked like water in there fluid but I found out it's glycol. There is a recall on my year make and model but not by my vin .”2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jan 2023
“Transmission stopped cold still on the.freeway due to codes.These codes that read on the code reader were (P0796) pressure solenoid control performance and the other code(P0722) speed sensor,no signal .These 2codes are coming from the transmission.GM ISSUED a recall for 2013 Chevy Malibu engine stalling.7-10-2020 Chevy Malibu were flagged for electrical system power train..”2013 Chevrolet Malibu · Nov 2022
“In the midst of rush hour traffic without any indication in a major interstate, 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT lost power as the engine reeved up and then check engine light came on. Once vehicle was carefully moved from interstate with citizens to the service road, engine running but would go into gears (D, R, L) without any movement. Transmission issues (p0700, p0796, etc... from OBD II). Vehicle has had routine maintenance on all oils as scheduled.”2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Dec 2021
Show 5 more owner reports
“ran system check and found code p0796 performed test drive and found torque converter switch slipping-checked fluid in the pan found excessive amount of debris removed transmission and disassembled finding 4-5-6 clutch burnt mup and debis went through the valve body and tcm - bushings are also damaged from debris , 75400 milees on 2017 silverado truck”2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Nov 2021
“Truck has 120,000 miles and on the way home from shopping all the sudden my truck wouldn't shift pass 3 rpm's and barley made it the hill. After stopping twice to let the truck rest I made it home. The dtc code was p0796 pressure control solenoid 'c' performance or stuck off obd-ii trouble code. Several other reports are found with the same issue some believe it's the torque converter. I really use to stand behind gm but my disappointment on this expensive truck has really changed my opinion.”2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 · Oct 2020 · 127,000 mi
“Transmissions slips. Engine check light codes p0780, p1733, p0008 and p0796. My transmission takes time to engage after I place the car in drive. Drive light also blinks. Is there a tcm in a 2010 honda accord exl.”2010 Honda Accord · Oct 2019 · 230,000 mi
“While driving 60 mph on the interstate in bumper to bumper traffic, my car went into limp mode. Rpms were high and I had to pull over from the fast lane with tractor-trailers driving around me after researching the issue, it seems this has been seen in alot of cars. This is a dangerous defect that needs to be resolved. I hope no one dies to make the manufacturer resolve this issue. The mechanic said this was a known issue with this vehicle. Recommended a transmission replacement. In fact, there were two other buick/gm cars with the same issue waiting to be worked on. The codes were p0776, p0796 and p0700.”2008 Buick Enclave · Aug 2019 · 170,000 mi
“1. Repeated transmission problems. O/d light blinking, expensive service, repeats every 12 months or so. 2. Approximately every 12 months. The vehicle requires service each time. The service runs from $300 - $1100. 3a. 01/07/05 57,424 miles: o/d light lite. No code when serviced. Changed $88.00. 3b. 02/02/09 159,777 miles: code p0796. O/d light blinks. Required service. Replace shift solenoid body, fluid and filter ($1,179.85). 3c. 10/13/09 172,769 miles: o/d light blinks. Required service.replaced servo. $366.40. 3d. 10/14/2010 172,779: check engine light. Required service. O2 sensor was unplugged during previous service. $00.00. *tr”2002 Ford Explorer · Oct 2009 · 57,424 mi
Cars that report P0796 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0796?
Briefly and gently, same as the rest of the pressure family - slipping is the symptom that should shorten the trip.
How much does it cost to fix P0796?
Typical US repair costs range from $150 for the simplest fix (transmission fluid and filter service) to $1,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0796. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.