P0747 on 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse: Causes for Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Stuck On

What's Unique About the 2018-2025 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

The 2018-2025 Traverse uses a GM 9T65 9-speed transmission, which has several known, documented issues that can trigger a P0747 code. Most notably, manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSBs) point to specific mechanical failures, such as out-of-round snap rings inside the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch assembly, as a root cause, particularly in transmissions built between October 2023 and April 2024. Another unique issue is an electrical fault where the Body Control Module (BCM) can erroneously trigger a P0747 code during engine startup or shutdown, even when no mechanical transmission problem exists. This makes careful diagnosis essential to avoid unnecessary, expensive transmission repairs.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Vehicle will not move when put in Drive or Reverse
• Harsh, jerky, or delayed gear shifts
• Transmission slipping
• Check Engine Light is on
• Transmission may enter a 'limp mode,' getting stuck in one gear
• Engine may stall when coming to a stop

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Mechanical Failure (Out-of-Round Snap Rings) 🔴 High Probability This is a documented issue in GM Technical Service Bulletin #PIP5974E and more specifically PIP5974A, which identifies a batch of transmissions built between 10/1/2023 and 4/22/2024 with out-of-round snap rings in the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch assembly.
   How to confirm: Requires transmission disassembly and inspection by a qualified technician. A 'no-move' condition is a strong indicator. TSB PIP5974A explicitly states that if the code resets on a short test drive on a vehicle from the affected build range, internal inspection is required.
   Typical fix: Transmission overhaul to replace the clutch piston housing, 🎬 Watch: A professional walkthrough of the 9T65 transmission rebuild process. piston, seals, and snap rings. In many cases, a complete transmission replacement is performed.
   Est. part cost: $2500-$6000
2. Faulty Transmission Valve Body or Solenoids 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Valve Body The valve body and its solenoids manage all hydraulic pressure. Wear in the valve bores or a sticking solenoid can cause pressure control issues. However, TSBs for the snap ring issue specifically warn *not* to replace the valve body if the snap ring is the cause.
   How to confirm: A technician can use a scan tool to perform an active test on the solenoid and monitor pressure readings. A line pressure test can also be performed to check for internal leaks.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the specific solenoid or the entire valve body assembly. The OEM part is often sold as a complete Control Valve Body with solenoids.
   Est. part cost: $300-$1200
3. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Transmission Assembly Low fluid levels reduce hydraulic pressure, while contaminated fluid (especially with clutch material) can cause solenoids and valves to stick or malfunction. Dark, burnt, or metallic fluid is a strong indicator of internal mechanical failure.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition according to the manufacturer's procedure. The 9T65 transmission does not have a traditional dipstick and must be checked from a set plug underneath while the vehicle is running and at temperature.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid service (drain and fill or flush) using the correct specification fluid (ACDelco DEXRON-VI). This is a diagnostic step; if the problem persists, the cause is likely mechanical.
   Est. part cost: $150-$400
4. Body Control Module (BCM) or Wiring Fault ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Body Control Module A unique electrical issue documented in TSB #PIP5697E. The code may set during engine cranking or shutdown if the BCM doesn't supply proper voltage to the TCM for its power-down self-test. This is a 'phantom' code where the transmission itself is not faulty.
   How to confirm: This cause should be suspected if the code *only* appears during engine start/stop and there are no other drivability symptoms. Diagnosis involves checking for at least 11-12 volts on the accessory wakeup circuit (circuit 5985) at the BCM (connector X4, terminal 22) for at least 15 seconds after the ignition is turned off.
   Typical fix: Diagnose and repair the specific circuit (e.g., circuit 5985), which can have high resistance under the driver's sill plate. If the circuit is good, the BCM may need to be replaced and reprogrammed.
   Est. part cost: $50-$900

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly While rare, the TCM itself can fail. This is typically diagnosed only after all other possibilities (mechanical, hydraulic, and wiring) have been ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the transmission fluid level and condition. Note that this must be done by a professional as there is no dipstick. Dark, burnt, or metallic fluid points to severe internal wear.
2. Use a professional scan tool to read all codes from the TCM and other modules. Note the exact conditions (e.g., startup, shutdown, driving) under which P0747 sets.
3. CRITICAL STEP: If the code *only* sets during engine cranking or shutdown in Park/Neutral, immediately investigate the BCM and wiring issue described in TSB #PIP5697E. Check voltage on circuit 5985 at BCM connector X4, terminal 22.
4. If the code sets during driving or is accompanied by severe symptoms (no-move, harsh shifts), check the transmission's Julian build date. If it falls between 23274 and 24113 (Oct 2023 - Apr 2024), suspect the snap ring failure per TSB PIP5974A.
5. Perform a line pressure test per GM service information. Pressure below 55-60 PSI at idle may indicate a major internal leak or pump failure.
6. Use the scan tool to monitor live data for solenoid commands, gear ratios, and line pressure while driving.
7. If the BCM issue and snap ring TSB are ruled out, further diagnosis of the valve body and solenoids is warranted. An active test commanding Solenoid 'A' on and off can be performed.
8. If all other diagnostics fail to find a cause, transmission removal and inspection for mechanical failure (such as the snap rings mentioned in TSB #PIP5974E/A) is the final step.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Assembly (OEM #24296141, 19419488, 24293278) — Often required if the root cause is a significant internal mechanical failure like the out-of-round snap rings, or if GM policy dictates replacement over repair.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine)
  OEM price range: $4000-$6000
  Aftermarket price range: $3500-$5500
• Transmission Valve Body Solenoid Assembly (OEM #24293405, 24045659 (supercedes 24293253)) — Replaced if the solenoid itself has failed or if the valve body is worn. Often replaced as a complete unit. Note: TSBs advise against replacing this part if a snap ring failure is suspected.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $800-$1200
  Aftermarket price range: $500-$900
• Body Control Module (BCM) — Only needed in the specific electrical fault scenario where the BCM causes the code to set at startup/shutdown due to improper voltage on circuit 5985.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (GM Genuine)
  OEM price range: $400-$700

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0746 — This code for 'Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off' is the counterpart to P0747. They are frequently mentioned together in TSBs as they relate to the same solenoid and circuit, indicating a general control problem with the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch.
• P0700 — This is a generic code indicating the Transmission Control Module (TCM) has requested the Check Engine Light to be turned on. It serves as a flag that a more specific transmission code, like P0747, is stored in the TCM.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP5974E / PIP5974A: Mentions out-of-round snap rings as a possible cause for P0747, with 'A' providing specific build dates.
• PIE0720A / PIE0720: Links P0747 to a 'Vehicle Will Not Move' condition.
• PIP5697B / PIP5697E: Describes a scenario where the BCM or a specific circuit (5985) can cause P0747 to set during engine start/stop procedures.
• 20-NA-136: Provides diagnostic tips for low-mileage 9T65 transmissions and outlines procedures like line pressure testing.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #PIP5974E/A documents that out-of-round 1-2-3-4-5-6 snap rings can cause code P0747, specifically on transmissions built from late 2023 to early 2024. This requires an internal overhaul, not a valve body replacement.
• TSBs #PIE0720A and #PIE0720 highlight that P0747 can be associated with a complete 'no-move' condition, requiring engineer consultation.
• TSB #PIP5697E identifies a potential BCM or wiring concern on circuit 5985 if P0747 sets during engine cranking or shutdown without any actual transmission hydraulic fault.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Pressure Control Solenoid (PWM) Coil Resistance — expected: 3-8 ohms. Failure: An open circuit or resistance far outside this range indicates a failed solenoid coil.
• BCM Accessory Wakeup Voltage (Circuit 5985) — expected: Should be within 4.0 volts of Battery Positive (B+) voltage for at least 15 seconds after ignition is turned off.. Failure: If voltage is not present or drops below the threshold (e.g., below 8V if battery is at 12V), the TCM cannot complete its power-down self-test, triggering a false P0747 on the next startup.
• Transmission Line Pressure at Idle (in Drive) — expected: 55-60 PSI minimum. Failure: Pressure significantly below this range indicates a potential issue with the pump, a major leak, or clogged passages.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Dealer Scan Tool): Transmission Service Fast Learn — After a transmission repair, valve body replacement, or even a fluid flush, this stationary procedure allows the TCM to learn clutch apply pressures and characteristics, speeding up the adaptive relearn process. It is required to restore proper shift quality.
• GDS2 (or professional equivalent): Solenoid Active Test — To functionally test a specific pressure control solenoid. The tool commands the solenoid on and off, and the technician can listen for an audible click or observe pressure changes on a gauge to see if it is responding.
• GDS2 (or professional equivalent): Live Data Monitoring (Upshift Test) — During a road test, monitor parameters like 'Command Gear,' 'PC Sol. Pressure Cmd,' and 'Engine Speed.' As the transmission is commanded to shift, the pressure command for the oncoming clutch should change to 'YES' and the off-going clutch to 'NO,' with a corresponding change in engine RPM within 1-2 seconds. This helps verify correct solenoid and clutch operation.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• BCM Connector X4, Terminal 22 — The Body Control Module (BCM) is located under the driver's side of the dashboard, often behind the lower trim panel. Connector X4 is one of several large connectors on the module.. This specific terminal carries the 'Accessory Wakeup' signal (Circuit 5985) to the TCM. A voltage drop or open on this circuit is the direct cause of the 'phantom' P0747 code described in TSB #PIP5697E.
• Circuit 5985 Harness Chafe Point — A known area for high resistance or an open in circuit 5985 is in the wiring harness located under the driver's sill plate.. Damage to this circuit between the BCM and TCM can interrupt the critical power-down signal, leading to a false P0747 code without any actual transmission fault.
• TCM Connector (C175T) — The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is part of the valve body assembly (known as the TEHCM) located inside the transmission oil pan. The main external connector for the transmission harness is C175T.. All solenoid control signals pass through this connector. Checking for terminal tension, corrosion, or damage here is a key step after ruling out more common causes.
• G101 / G106 Grounds — G101 is located on the left side of the engine block. It jumpers to G106, which is on the front center of the frame cross rail, under the crank pulley.. These are primary grounds for the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM). A poor ground connection here can cause a wide range of erratic electronic behavior and fault codes, including transmission codes.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 24293405 → 24065469 — This is the Control Valve Body Assembly. Part numbers are often superseded due to design revisions, manufacturing changes, or supplier updates.
  Heads up: The new part number 24065469 is listed as '2nd Design,' implying a significant change. It is critical to use the vehicle's VIN to ensure the correct design is ordered.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• Transmissions built between 10/1/2023 and 4/22/2024: → Shop Transmission Assembly A specific batch of transmissions was built with out-of-round 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch snap rings, making them highly prone to P0747 and P0746. This is documented in TSB #PIP5974A and requires internal transmission repair, not valve body replacement.
• 2018-2019: TSB #PIP5697E, which details the BCM/wiring issue causing a false P0747, specifically lists the 2018-2019 Traverse. While the issue may exist on later models, these years are explicitly called out in the manufacturer documentation.