What are the common causes of P0981?

A shift solenoid D that shifts out of range. A short or open in the shift solenoid D circuit. Low or dirty transmission fluid. A restricted filter. A TCM output fault.

Road test and monitor shift solenoid D data. Check the fluid level and condition. Test the shift solenoid D circuit. Measure shift solenoid D resistance. Replace the solenoid if the range is off. Clear the code and retest.

P0981

Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Range/Performance

System: Transmission (P code)
Lamp: Check Engine Light
Category: Powertrain - Transmission

What it means

P0981 means Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Range/Performance.

Where it lives

For P0981, start at the solenoid the description names.

Check these first

A shift solenoid D that shifts out of range
A short or open in the shift solenoid D circuit
Low or dirty transmission fluid
A restricted filter
A TCM output fault

What to do next

Road test and monitor shift solenoid D data
Check the fluid level and condition
Test the shift solenoid D circuit
Measure shift solenoid D resistance
Replace the solenoid if the range is off
Clear the code and retest

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Updated

Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.