P0797: Pressure Control Solenoid C Stuck On
Severity: high
What it means: Your automatic transmission uses electric valves called pressure control solenoids to set the fluid pressure that applies each clutch. P0797 means the computer thinks solenoid C is stuck on, because the gear ratio or pressure it sees doesn't match what it asked for. Honda and Acura call it 'A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Valve C Stuck ON.'
Safe to drive? Drive gently and only short distances. Shifts may be harsh or delayed, and some cars get stuck in one gear or neutral.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light, sometimes a flashing D indicator
- Harsh, clunky or delayed shifts
- Transmission stuck in one gear or neutral
Likely causes, ranked
- Old, dark or low transmission fluidDIY or shop
- Sticking or failed solenoid CDIY or shop
- Wiring or connector problem at the solenoidDIY or shop
- Internal hydraulic or clutch wearShop
Vehicle-specific notes
- 2005–2008 Acura RL: On AcuraZine, a 2005 RL owner with P0797 and P0767 replaced both solenoids and still had hard shifts and a car stuck in neutral, so the fault was deeper. Read the full answer · Source
DIY or shop?
DIY for checking fluid and replacing a bolt-on solenoid on many Honda/Acura transmissions. Diagnosis of internal problems needs a shop with a factory-level scan tool.
Before you replace parts
- Read all stored transmission codes, not just this one.
- Check the fluid level and condition with the correct Honda/Acura fluid.
- Inspect the solenoid connector and wiring.
- Ask a shop to test the solenoid with a scan tool before replacing the transmission.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Getting stuck in neutral or the wrong gear in traffic is dangerous. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.