Engine-CodesAcura – P0976 Acura

P0976 Acura Code - Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The P0976 code for Acura vehicles indicates a problem with the Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Short. Common causes include Faulty shift solenoid valve: The shift solenoid valve itself may be damaged or worn out, causing an electrical short, Damaged wiring or connectors: Corrosion, fraying, or damage to the wiring harness or connectors can lead to a short circuit in the shift solenoid valve circuit, Transmission control module (TCM) issues: A malfunctioning TCM can send incorrect signals to the shift solenoid valve, causing electrical problems. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0976 Acura indicates Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Low.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty shift solenoid valve: The shift solenoid valve itself may be damaged or worn out, causing an electrical short, Damaged wiring or connectors: Corrosion, fraying, or damage to the wiring harness or connectors can lead to a short circuit in the shift solenoid valve circuit, Transmission control module (TCM) issues: A malfunctioning TCM can send incorrect signals to the shift solenoid valve, causing electrical problems.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 23, 2025
💬 Need more help? Ask Auto Expert for instant answers — it's free!
AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play

Code P0976 Acura Description

The P0976 code for Acura vehicles indicates a problem with the Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Short. The shift solenoid valve is a crucial component of the transmission system responsible for controlling the flow of transmission fluid to engage specific gears. In this case, the 'B' shift solenoid valve circuit is experiencing a short, which can disrupt the transmission's ability to shift gears properly. This can lead to issues such as harsh shifting, delayed shifting, or the transmission getting stuck in a particular gear.

OBDII Code P0976 Acura - Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Low
P0976 Acura Code - Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Low

Common Causes of P0976 Acura

  1. Faulty shift solenoid valve: The shift solenoid valve itself may be damaged or worn out, causing an electrical short.
  2. Damaged wiring or connectors: Corrosion, fraying, or damage to the wiring harness or connectors can lead to a short circuit in the shift solenoid valve circuit.
  3. Transmission control module (TCM) issues: A malfunctioning TCM can send incorrect signals to the shift solenoid valve, causing electrical problems.
  4. Fluid contamination: Contaminants in the transmission fluid can cause build-up or damage to the shift solenoid valve components, leading to malfunction.
  5. Overheating: Excessive heat within the transmission system can cause components to fail, including the shift solenoid valve.

Symptoms of P0976 Acura

  1. Harsh or delayed shifting: The transmission may struggle to shift gears smoothly, resulting in jerky or delayed gear changes.
  2. Stuck in a particular gear: The transmission may get stuck in a specific gear and fail to shift up or down as needed.
  3. Illuminated Check Engine Light: The vehicle's onboard diagnostic system will trigger the Check Engine Light to alert the driver of a potential issue.
  4. Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip out of gear unexpectedly, causing a loss of power or acceleration.
  5. Reduced fuel efficiency: A malfunctioning shift solenoid valve can lead to decreased fuel efficiency due to inefficient gear changes.

How to Fix P0976 Acura

  1. Diagnostic scan: Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the specific fault code and identify the issue with the shift solenoid valve 'B' circuit.
  2. Inspect wiring and connectors: Check the wiring harness and connectors for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections that may be causing the short circuit.
  3. Test shift solenoid valve: Test the 'B' shift solenoid valve for proper operation and replace it if found to be faulty.
  4. Check transmission control module: Inspect the TCM for any signs of malfunction and perform any necessary repairs or replacements.
  5. Clear codes and test drive: Clear the fault codes from the vehicle's computer system, then test drive the vehicle to ensure the transmission shifts smoothly without any issues.

Cost to Fix P0976 Acura

The cost of repairing a Shift Solenoid Valve 'B' Circuit Short can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the labor rates in your area. On average, the parts for a shift solenoid valve replacement can range from $150 to $300, while labor costs can add another $100 to $200. Keep in mind that additional diagnostic time may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem, which can increase the overall repair costs. It's recommended to consult with a professional mechanic or auto repair shop to get an accurate estimate based on your vehicle's make and model.

Need more information about the P0976 Acura code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0976 Acura code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0976 Acura code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0976 Acura Code

No Frequently Asked Questions about P0976 Acura Code found.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0976 Acura OBDII Code

  • my acura RDX is showing flashing D light on my control panel. Any help?

  • If the light is flashing, it means that there is a problem with the transmission. The next step is to check the transmission for codes. If you got the P0976 code, then you may have a problem with the Shift Solenoid Valve 'B'. Before replacing any parts make sure the transmission fluid level and condition is OK. Change the fluid if necessary.

  • Sorry I am not able to comment on the Page for some reason so I’m gonna comment here.

    2001 Nissan Frontier v6 non supercharged.
    P1148 and p0325. What would be the first step? Change both front 02 sensors correct? Will I need to also change the single downstream sensor?

  • For the P1148 code I'll start by cleaning the MAF and changing the air filter. For the P0325 you more than likely have to replace the knock sensor.
    Also, before replacing any parts, try using high octane gas and if possible a fuel additive.