DTC P0973: Short in Shift Solenoid Valve A Circuit

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE:

Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot with the HDS, and review GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION .
This code is caused by an electrical circuit problem and cannot be caused by a mechanical problem in the transmission.
If DTC P0973 is stored in the PCM, the transmission does not shift to 2nd or 5th gear because of the fail-safe function.

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Start the engine in P, and wait for at least 1 second.
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0973 indicated?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections and loose terminals between shift solenoid valve A and the PCM.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Check for a blown No. B5 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
Is the No. B5 (7.5 A) fuse OK?

YES -Go to step 7.

NO -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between PCM connector terminal A1 and the under-hood fuse/relay box.
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
Disconnect PCM connectors A (49P).
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Measure the voltage between PCM connector terminals A1 and body ground.

Fig 1: Measuring Voltage Between PCM Connector Terminals A1 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Go to step 11.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between PCM connector terminal A1 and the under-hood fuse/relay box.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect the shift solenoid valve A connector.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Start the engine in P, and wait for at least 1 second.
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0973 indicated?

YES -Go to step 17.

NO -Faulty shift solenoid valve A. Replace the secondary valve body (shift solenoid valve A) (see SECONDARY VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT ).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
Disconnect PCM connector C (49P).
Check for continuity between PCM connector terminals C20 and body ground.

Fig 2: Checking For Continuity Between PCM Connector Terminals C20 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to body ground in the wire between PCM connector terminal C20 and shift solenoid valve A connector terminal No. 1.

NO -Replace the PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ).