P0981

Code

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

solenoid control D change - circuit

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 11 EN: 21 RU: 21

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Page language: EN

Causes

Broken/chafed wiring in solenoid D circuit
Poor, corroded, or loose connector at the solenoid or TCM/PCM
Failed/shorted or high-resistance solenoid D
Faulty transmission control module (TCM) or PCM driver output
Low or contaminated transmission fluid causing solenoid sticking
Intermittent ground or power supply issue

Symptoms

Check Engine Light or transmission fault lamp illuminated
Erratic or harsh shifting, misses, or inability to engage certain gears
Transmission locked in limp/limitation mode (reduced gears)
Delayed shift or stuck in a single gear
Possible harsh engagement or slipping under load

What to check

Read freeze frame data and full transmission-related DTC list with an OBDII scanner or dealer tool
Inspect transmission fluid level and condition (color, smell, debris)
Visual inspection of solenoid D harness and connector for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
Wiggle test harness/connectors while watching live data or MIL response
Measure supply voltage and ground at the solenoid connector with key on/engine off and during cranking/engine running
Measure resistance of the solenoid coil (with harness disconnected) and compare to spec

Signal parameters

Solenoid coil resistance: typically in the range of ~10–40 Ω (manufacturer-specific — consult service data)
Control signal: PWM duty cycle (0–100%) from TCM; frequency often in the low hundreds of Hz (varies by design)
Supply voltage at connector: battery voltage (~11–14.5 V) when key on/engine running
Ground: near 0 V reference; no high resistance under load

Diagnostic algorithm

Connect scan tool; record freeze frame and live data. Note conditions when code set.
Verify fluid level/condition; service fluid if contaminated or outside spec.
Visually inspect solenoid D wiring and connector; repair any chafing, corrosion, or pin damage.
Backprobe solenoid connector: verify battery supply and good ground. Have an assistant command solenoid while observing signal with scope or multimeter (voltage/PWM).
With harness disconnected, measure coil resistance. If open or shorted outside spec, replace solenoid.
Perform a wiggle/continuity test on the harness from solenoid connector to TCM connector; check for intermittent faults.
If wiring and solenoid test good, test driver output at the TCM (scope recommended) to determine if TCM is commanding correctly. Replace TCM only after confirming driver fault.
After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test under the same conditions; re-scan to confirm code does not return.

Likely causes

Wiring/connectors (most common) — corrosion, pin damage, or disconnection
Failed solenoid coil (open or short/high resistance)
Low/dirty transmission fluid causing mechanical solenoid fault

Fault status

⚠️ Status

P0981 — Solenoid Control D Circuit: transmission control module detected an open, short, high resistance, or intermittent condition on the solenoid D control circuit. May cause fault indicator and transmission limp mode. Further diagnosis required to identify electrical or component fault.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours

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P0981 — solenoid control D change - circuit