What it means
Pressure control solenoid K shows intermittent electrical or hydraulic faults. Loose connector or marginal coil.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
Pressure control solenoid K is an electrically controlled valve that regulates pressure in one transmission hydraulic circuit. The TCM detects that solenoid K’s electrical or hydraulic response is inconsistent, rather than continuously failed. A loose contact, a coil that changes with temperature, or vibration can make the fault and shifting symptoms come and go.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Solenoid connector not fully seated
- Coil resistance drifts with temperature
- Connector with intermittent contact under vibration
Symptoms
- Check-engine or transmission warning light
- Intermittent harsh or delayed shifts
- Shifting symptoms may come and go
- Transmission may briefly enter limp mode
How to diagnose it
- Read transmission codes and freeze-frame data, noting the temperature and driving conditions when the solenoid K fault appeared.
- Check live data for solenoid K command and response during a controlled drive or the manufacturer’s stationary test procedure.
- Inspect the solenoid K connector for a loose fit, backed-out pins, corrosion, or fluid, and check the harness for chafing or strain.
- With the manufacturer’s procedure, monitor the solenoid K circuit while gently moving the accessible harness to look for an intermittent electrical change.
- If the wiring checks pass, test solenoid K at the temperatures or conditions indicated by the fault data and assess its hydraulic response.
Common fixes
- Secure a connector that is not fully seated and repair any damaged connector lock or terminal.
- Repair chafed or vibration-damaged wiring in the solenoid K circuit.
- Replace solenoid K if its coil or operation becomes intermittent during the prescribed test.
- Repair the hydraulic passage or valve-body fault if solenoid K’s electrical operation is consistent but its response is not.
Can I keep driving?
Keep trips short and avoid towing or hard acceleration while the fault is intermittent, as it can return suddenly and cause harsh shifts or limp mode. Stop if shifting becomes unpredictable or the transmission slips.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.