P0973: Shift solenoid A control circuit low

Shift solenoid A control circuit low

Severity: Inspect soon

TroubleCodes.net rates P0973 moderate and PartsAvatar moderate to high, with harsh shifting and limited gears as symptoms.

It gets more serious if:

Not verified: The transmission is stuck in one gear, revs high or goes into limp mode. Sources list gear lockout and high revs, but we found no source on whether you must stop.

Source: how we rate severity

P0973 in short

P0973 means the transmission computer sees a low voltage in the shift solenoid A control circuit, often a short to ground. Damaged wiring, the solenoid or rarely the module can cause it. Shifts may be harsh or limited to certain gears, so have it inspected soon.

Shift solenoid A is a valve the computer switches to change gears. P0973 sets when the voltage in its control circuit stays lower than commanded, which usually means a short to ground in the wiring or the solenoid.

TroubleCodes.net lists damaged wiring, a failed solenoid and the module, and suggests checking the harness for rodent damage. PartsAvatar warns against replacing the solenoid before checking fluid and wiring.

Honda and Acura have bulletins for 2005 Accord, CR-V and RSX models with the MIL on and P0973 from a short in the shift solenoid A circuit. Volkswagen-group cars use this code for a different problem.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Short to ground or damaged wiring in the solenoid circuit
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
TroubleCodes.net lists wiring shorted to ground, and Honda bulletins describe a short in the circuit.
What would change this
Rises if the harness is chafed or rodent-chewed.
Cause 2: Failed shift solenoid A
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Both references list the solenoid.
What would change this
Rises if the wiring tests good and resistance is out of range.
Cause 3: Short in the shift solenoid A circuit (2005 Honda Accord, CR-V; Acura RSX)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Honda 705 and 05071 and Acura 05042 each name P0973 with a short in this circuit.
What would change this
Rises on a covered vehicle with the MIL on.
Cause 4: Low or contaminated fluid
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists fluid and warns to check it before replacing the solenoid.
What would change this
Rises if the fluid is low or dirty.
Cause 5: Transmission control module
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
TroubleCodes.net lists the module; PartsAvatar says it is rare.
What would change this
Rises only after the solenoid, wiring and fluid are ruled out.
How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

What to test first

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

Step 1: Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note other solenoid codes.
Low riskTool: scan tool that reads the transmission module
- If2005 Honda or Acura with the MIL on
  It meansCheck the Honda or Acura bulletin.
  Points to: Short in the shift solenoid A circuit (2005 Honda Accord, CR-V; Acura RSX)
- IfP0973 alone or with other solenoid codes
  It meansCheck the fluid.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Check the fluid level and condition by the maker's method.
Use caution
Warning:Many transmissions are sealed. Do not open the fill plug without the maker's procedure, because the level depends on temperature.
- IfLow, dark, burnt-smelling or full of debris
  It meansFluid is the first suspect.
  Points to: Low or contaminated fluid
- IfFluid looks normal
  It meansInspect the wiring.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Inspect the transmission harness for chafing, rodent damage and shorts to ground, and check the connector for corrosion.
Low risk
- IfDamage or a short is found
  It meansRepair it and retest.
  Points to: Short to ground or damaged wiring in the solenoid circuit
- IfWiring looks fine
  It meansA shop should test the solenoid.
  Go to step 4
Step 4: Have a shop measure the solenoid resistance. TroubleCodes.net quotes roughly 10-20 ohms, but check the maker's specification.
Best left to a shopTool: multimeter
Warning:Shop test. It needs the maker's specifications.
- IfOut of range or shorted
  It meansThe solenoid has failed.
  Points to: Failed shift solenoid A
- IfSolenoid and circuit are good
  It meansSuspect the module; a shop should confirm.
  Points to: Transmission control module

Symptoms

Check engine light
Harsh shifting or high revs
Stuck in a gear or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Step 1: Do not clear the code before the transmission module has been read.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open bulletin. Honda and Acura have published several.

Parts and cost context

Transmission control module (TCM):Do not replace the module for P0973. Sources list it as a rare cause.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

2005 · Accord
Supported by vehicle data
2005 Accord: diagnostic trouble code P0973, shift solenoid A short circuit. 2005 Accord and CR-V: MIL on with P0973 (short in the shift solenoid valve A circuit). Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2005 · CR-V
Supported by vehicle data
2005 Accord and CR-V: MIL on with P0973 (short in the shift solenoid valve A circuit). Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

705Status unverified
Honda 705: P0973, shift solenoid A short circuit
2005accord · NHTSA 10018080
2005 Accord: diagnostic trouble code P0973, shift solenoid A short circuit.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
05071Status unverified
Honda 05071: MIL with P0973, short in shift solenoid valve A circuit
2005accord, cr-v · NHTSA 10019416
2005 Accord and CR-V: MIL on with P0973 (short in the shift solenoid valve A circuit).
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

2005 · RSX
Supported by vehicle data
2005 RSX: malfunction indicator light comes on with P0973. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

05042Status unverified
Acura 05042: MIL with P0973
2005rsx · NHTSA 10018238
2005 RSX: malfunction indicator light comes on with P0973.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Transmission codes

P0973 questions

What does circuit low mean?

The voltage in the solenoid circuit is lower than the computer commands, often from a short to ground in the wiring or the solenoid.

Should I replace the solenoid first?

No. PartsAvatar says the common mistake is replacing the solenoid before checking the fluid and the wiring.

Sources and review

P0973 Trouble Code: Shift solenoid A control circuit low — TroubleCodes.net
OBD error code P0973: Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low — PartsAvatar
Honda 05071: MIL with P0973, short in shift solenoid valve A circuit — Honda
Honda 705: P0973, shift solenoid A short circuit — Honda
Acura 05042: MIL with P0973 — Acura

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Short to ground or damaged wiring in the solenoid circuit

Cause 2: Failed shift solenoid A

Cause 3: Short in the shift solenoid A circuit (2005 Honda Accord, CR-V; Acura RSX)

Cause 4: Low or contaminated fluid

Cause 5: Transmission control module

What to test first

Step 1: Read codes from the engine and transmission modules with a scan tool that supports both, before anything is cleared. Note other solenoid codes.

Step 2: Check the fluid level and condition by the maker's method.

Step 3: Inspect the transmission harness for chafing, rodent damage and shorts to ground, and check the connector for corrosion.

Step 4: Have a shop measure the solenoid resistance. TroubleCodes.net quotes roughly 10-20 ohms, but check the maker's specification.