P0796 Pressure control solenoid C not performing as commanded or stuck off

Pressure control solenoid C stuck off

P0796 in short

P0796 means the hydraulic circuit run by pressure control solenoid C is not doing what the transmission computer commands, as if the solenoid is stuck off. On GM 6- and 8-speed automatics the fix is often a valve body or clutch hub. Have it inspected soon, and stop driving if it slips.

Pressure control solenoids set the fluid pressure that applies particular clutches. The computer commands a pressure and then checks, through gear ratios or pressure switches, that the clutch applied as expected. P0796 sets when the circuit run by solenoid C behaves as if the solenoid were stuck off.

Because the code is about performance rather than an electrical open or short, the cause is often hydraulic or mechanical: a sticking valve, debris, or a worn clutch component. Dirty fluid and a clogged filter can do it too.

Most P0796 complaints and bulletins are on GM trucks and SUVs. GM says to replace the valve body on some 2020–2021 8-speed trucks if no debris is in the pan, replace the 4-5-6 clutch hub on some 2015–2016 6-speeds, and has diagnostic information for low-mileage 2024–2026 Equinox and Terrain.

Most likely causes

  1. Valve body (2020–2021 GM 8-speed trucks)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM tells dealers to replace the valve body on 8-speed transmissions setting P0796 if no debris is found in the pan.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2020–2021 Silverado, Sierra, Colorado or Canyon 8-speed with a clean pan.

  2. 4-5-6 clutch hub (2015–2016 GM 6-speed trucks and SUVs)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM has a bulletin to replace the 4-5-6 clutch hub for no 4th, 5th and 6th gears and/or the MIL with P0796.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2015–2016 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon or HD pickup missing 4th–6th gears.

  3. Slipping or no 4th–6th gear on GM 6-speed automatics (2006–2012)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM has diagnostic information for slipping or missing 4th, 5th or 6th gear with an active P0796.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2006–2012 GM 6-speed with slipping in the upper gears.

  4. Faulty pressure control solenoid C

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The solenoid itself is the first listed cause of a performance or stuck-off code.
    What would change this
    Rises if commanded pressure does not change when the solenoid is tested.

  5. Dirty fluid or clogged filter

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Dirty fluid and a clogged filter are listed causes, and debris can make valves stick.
    What would change this
    Rises if the fluid is dark or burnt-smelling or debris is found in the pan.

  6. Damaged wiring or connector to the solenoid

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Listed as a cause, but a performance code points more often to hydraulic faults than to wiring.
    What would change this
    Rises if electrical solenoid codes are also stored or the connector is damaged.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all transmission codes with a scan tool before anything is cleared, and note which gears are missing or slipping.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module

  2. Check for P0796 bulletins for your VIN at a dealer or on the NHTSA site.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop check fluid condition, drop the pan to look for debris, and test the solenoid.

    Best left to a shopTool: transmission service tools, scan tool

    Warning:Shop job. Hot fluid can burn, and pan removal and solenoid testing follow the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Harsh, late or erratic shifts
  • Slipping, or no 4th, 5th or 6th gear Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Reduced power or limp-home mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a P0796 bulletin. GM has issued several for trucks, SUVs and the Equinox and Terrain.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):Not usually the fix for P0796. GM's repairs are a valve body or clutch hub; the solenoid and fluid are the general causes.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2020–2021 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5771B says to replace the valve body on 8-speed transmissions setting P0796 if the pan is free of debris; the Colorado, Sierra 1500 and Canyon are also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2015–2016 · Tahoe

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM 16-NA-027 replaces the 4-5-6 clutch hub for no 4th, 5th and 6th gears with P0796; the Suburban, Silverado HD, Sierra and Yukon are also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2006–2012 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PI-0773 covers slipping or no 4th, 5th or 6th gear with P0796 active on 6-speed automatics in many trucks, SUVs and cars. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • 2025–2026 · Equinox

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP6010B gives diagnostic information for low-mileage vehicles setting P0796; the GMC Terrain is also covered. The bulletin is on NHTSA, but whether it is still current is not verified, so it is labelled vehicle data rather than confirmed.

  • PIP5771BStatus unverified

    Replace valve body on 8-speed transmissions setting P0796 if no pan debris

    2020–2021silverado-1500, colorado · issued · NHTSA 10190354

    Replace the valve body on 8-speed transmissions setting P0796 if no debris is found in the pan; a different repair applies if debris is found. The GMC Sierra 1500 and Canyon are also covered. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 16-NA-027Status unverified

    Replace 4-5-6 clutch hub for no 4th, 5th and 6th gears with P0796

    2015–2016silverado-2500-hd, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10116864

    Procedure to replace the 4-5-6 clutch hub for no 4th, 5th and 6th gears and/or the MIL with P0796. GMC Sierra and Yukon models are also covered. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PI-0773Status unverified

    Slipping or no 4th, 5th or 6th gear with P0796 active

    2006–2012silverado-1500, suburban, tahoe, camaro, corvette, express, avalanche · issued · NHTSA 10055803

    Covers slipping or no 4th, 5th or 6th gear with the MIL on and P0796 active. GMC and Cadillac models are also listed. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIP5425AStatus unverified

    Check engine light with P0747 and/or P0796

    2017camaro, corvette, silverado-1500, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10099959

    Information for 2017 vehicles with the check engine light on and P0747 and/or P0796. GMC and Cadillac models are also listed. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIP6010BStatus unverified

    Diagnostic information for low-mileage vehicles setting P0796

    2025–2026equinox · issued · NHTSA 11020683

    Diagnostic information for low-mileage vehicles setting P0796. The 2024–2025 GMC Terrain is also covered. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was reviewed, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0747Pressure control solenoid A stuck on

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM lists P0747 and P0796 together for some 2017 vehicles with the check engine light on.

All Transmission codes

P0796 questions

Can I keep driving with P0796?

Only gently and briefly to a shop. Trade references warn that driving on can damage clutch packs, and if the transmission slips or loses gears, stop and have it towed.

Sources and review

  1. P0796 — Pressure Control Solenoid C Performance/Stuck Off — Kelley Blue Book
  2. GM PI-0773: slipping or no 4th, 5th or 6th gear with active DTC P0796 — General Motors ,
  3. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 13, § 1968.2 — Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
  4. GM 16-NA-027: replace 4-5-6 clutch hub for no 4th, 5th or 6th gear and/or MIL with P0796 — General Motors ,
  5. GM PIP5771B: replace valve body on 8-speed transmissions setting P0796 if no pan debris — General Motors ,
  6. GM PIP5425A: check engine light with DTC P0747 and/or P0796 — General Motors ,
  7. GM PIP6010B: diagnostic information for low-mileage vehicles setting P0796 — General Motors ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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