DTC P0974: Open in Shift Solenoid Valve A Circuit

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot with the HDS, and review the 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 P0974 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. With the brake pedal pressed, shift to R, and wait for at least 1 second.
Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0974 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).
Disconnect the shift solenoid valve A connector.
Connect a jumper wire between shift solenoid valve A connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.

Fig 1: Connecting Jumper Wire Between Shift Solenoid Valve A Connector Terminal No. 2 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 12.

NO -Go to step 15.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Remove the jumper wire.
Check for continuity between shift solenoid valve A connector terminal No. 1 and body ground.

Fig 2: Checking For Continuity Between Shift Solenoid Valve A Connector Terminal No. 1 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Faulty shift solenoid valve A. Replace the secondary valve body (shift solenoid valve A) (see SECONDARY VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT ).

NO -Repair an open in the wire between shift solenoid valve A and body ground (G101) (see CONNECTOR TO FUSE/RELAY BOX INDEX ), or repair poor body ground (G101).
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Remove the jumper wire.
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
Disconnect PCM connector C (49P).
Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal C20 and shift solenoid valve A connector terminal No. 2.

Fig 3: Checking For Continuity Between PCM Connector Terminal C20 And Shift Solenoid Valve A Connector Terminal No. 2
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ).

NO -Repair an open in the wire between PCM connector terminal C20 and shift solenoid valve A connector terminal No. 2.