Fault Code Lookup › Powertrain codes › P0973
P0973 Powertrain · generic OBD-II
Shift Solenoid 'A' Control Circuit Low
P0973 is a standard code covering engine, transmission, fuel and emissions. It names the system that logged the fault, not the part that failed. Below: which cars owners reported it on, what happened, and recalls on those cars, from 4 complaints filed with NHTSA. Updated November 3, 2026.
- 4owner reports
- 3car models
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention a fire
- 2019–2022model years
Which cars get code P0973?
Every model whose owners mentioned P0973 in a complaint, most reports first. Each year opens that car's full problem report. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Where does P0973 show up?
By brand
- Jeep2
- Chrysler1
- Ford1
Component the owner filed it under
Is there a recall for P0973?
The others concern the component owners file this code under (Service Brakes) on the same cars; they may or may not relate to the code. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
2019 Jeep Cherokee. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
What happened when owners saw P0973?
4 of the 4 reports, spread across the models above, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The electronic parking brake came on while turning slowly. It triggered an error code in the Shift Solenoid A Control , error code P0973. When I turn off the car, wait then turn it on again, it works fine. This has been happening for about 2 years every few months. I took it to the deal when it happen a few months ago, but they couldn't reproduce it. It happens randomly. The vehicle has not been inspected for this occurrence. There were no warning lights or messages prior to it happening.
While driving several warning lights came on and the transmission shutdown. I coasted to the side of the road. The engine kept running but the van would not move. I shut the engine off and after a few minutes (5 to 10) I restarted the van and the warning lights were on on. I drove the van 2 or 3 miles and it happened again. Once again after a few minutes all the warning lights were off except the check engine light. I returned to my motel and called a local Chrysler Dealer. I then was able to drive to the dealer with no problem. When they diagnosed the problem they said it had several codes. The following is what the service department did. “Digit-verified cel stored codes p0973 in Tim and…
the check engine light and see manual (Alley Wrench) constantly goes off and code for P0973- the symptoms following were stalling that felt like someone was rear ending her and acceleration takes time to go back up. Will happen many times on a right and shops claim a replacement of transmission would be needed. Vehicle is 2022 Ford Explorer and should not need a replacement this soon!!!!
The electronic parking brake error system keeps coming on while I am driving. The warning lights come on for no apparent reason. Once, when I was about to start up, and about to drive, the parking brake slammed on violently. This has not happened while I am driving. Just the error and warning lights have come on while driving. The dashboard engine light comes on. I get an error P0973. Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low.
P0973: questions drivers ask
What does code P0973 mean?
P0973 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. Its standard definition is "Shift Solenoid 'A' Control Circuit Low". The code tells you which system set the fault, not which part failed; the owner reports on this page show what it meant in practice for 3 car models.
Which cars get code P0973 most often?
In NHTSA owner complaints, P0973 is mentioned most for the Jeep Cherokee (2), Chrysler Pacifica (1), Ford Explorer (1), across 3 models and model years 2019 to 2022. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Is there a recall for code P0973?
No NHTSA recall text names P0973 directly. 1 recall on the cars that report this code concerns the same component owners name most (Service Brakes); they may or may not relate to the code. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What should I do if my car shows P0973?
Write down when the code appeared and what the car did (warning lights, loss of power, noises, speed, weather). Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer or independent workshop to read the stored freeze-frame data before anyone clears the code, and keep the repair order. If the car loses power in traffic, stop driving it. CarHooq does not diagnose: these are owner reports and official recall notices, not repair advice.
How this page was made
CarHooq read the text of every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for 19 US and European brands (model years 2012 onwards) and picked out the diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote down. This page lists every mention of P0973. The definition is the generic SAE J2012 wording; a carmaker may use the code slightly differently. Nothing here is a diagnosis. Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain), retrieved November 3, 2026. How CarHooq reports are made.
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