P0747 on 2017-2019 Chevrolet Cruze: Causes and Fixes for Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Stuck On

What's Unique About the 2017-2019 Chevrolet CRUZE

For the 2017-2019 Cruze, this code has a notable twist. While P0747 universally points to a pressure control solenoid issue, Chevrolet has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging that the code can be triggered erroneously by the Body Control Module (BCM) or its related circuits (specifically circuit 5985) during engine cranking or shutdown. This means the problem could be purely electrical and unrelated to the transmission's internal mechanics, a critical distinction that can prevent unnecessary and expensive transmission repairs. Water intrusion is also a known cause of BCM failure on this platform.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Harsh or jerky gear shifts, especially when putting into Reverse
• Transmission slipping or failing to engage gears
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' or defaults to a single gear (often 5th)
• Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse
• Engine may stall when coming to a stop
• Reduced fuel economy
• Reduced acceleration message on the dashboard

Most Likely Causes

1. Body Control Module (BCM) or Circuit Fault 🔴 High Probability As cited in official GM Technical Service Bulletins (PIP5697E, PIP5697B), this specific vehicle range is known to set P0747 due to BCM or circuit issues during engine start/stop, even with no actual transmission fault. This can be caused by an internal BCM fault or water intrusion.
   How to confirm: A technician must follow the diagnostic procedures outlined in TSBs #PIP5697E and #PIP5697B. This involves checking for voltage at BCM connector X4, terminal 22, and inspecting the integrity of circuit 5985 between the BCM, ECM, and TCM.
   Typical fix: Repairing the specific electrical circuit (e.g., circuit 5985) or replacing and reprogramming the Body Control Module. Checking for and repairing sources of water leaks is also critical. 🎬 Watch: How to locate and replace the BCM
   Est. part cost: $50-$600
2. Faulty Transmission Control Valve Body 🔴 High Probability GM has acknowledged valve body failures as a primary cause for P0747 in many models, leading to a default to 5th gear. Wear in the valve body bores can cause solenoids to bind or pressure to leak, and it is much more common for the valve body to fail than the individual solenoid.
   How to confirm: A technician will perform a pressure test on the transmission and inspect the valve body for wear and debris after dropping the transmission pan. The condition of the transmission fluid is a key indicator; clean, red fluid points away from widespread clutch failure and towards an isolated valve body issue.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the entire transmission control valve body assembly. In a Reddit thread, one user was quoted $1500 for a related valve body component replacement. 🎬 See this step-by-step transmission valve body replacement walkthrough
   Est. part cost: $300-$800
3. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability Like any automatic transmission, the Cruze's 6T35 transmission relies on clean DEXRON-VI fluid at the correct level. Old, burnt, or contaminated fluid can cause solenoids to stick and passages to clog.
   How to confirm: Check the transmission fluid level and condition following the specific procedure for this sealed transmission. The fluid should be red and translucent, not dark brown or black, and free of debris or a burnt smell.
   Typical fix: Perform a transmission fluid and filter change. If the fluid is heavily contaminated, a full flush may be recommended, but this can sometimes dislodge debris and cause further issues in high-mileage transmissions.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150
4. Faulty Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' ⚪ Low Probability While the code directly names the solenoid, it's often a symptom rather than the root cause. The solenoid itself is rarely the point of failure; it is more likely commanded incorrectly by a faulty BCM/TCM or is mechanically stuck due to a worn valve body bore.
   How to confirm: The solenoid can be tested for resistance and operation with a specialized scan tool or by applying voltage directly once removed from the valve body.
   Typical fix: Replace the individual Pressure Control Solenoid 'A'. This is done by dropping the transmission pan and removing the valve body. This is often an incorrect repair if the valve body itself is not addressed.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): A faulty TCM can fail to correctly command the solenoid, mimicking a mechanical failure. This is usually diagnosed after all other mechanical and wiring possibilities have been eliminated.
• Wiring Harness Damage: Damage to the wiring between the TCM and the transmission can cause a short or open circuit, leading to this code. This is less common but should be checked, especially if there is visible damage to the harness.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the TCM for P0747 and any other related codes. Note any freeze-frame data, specifically if the code was set during engine cranking or shutdown.
2. Check for applicable TSBs. Specifically, review #PIP5697E and #PIP5697B to see if the conditions for the BCM-related fault apply.
3. If TSB conditions apply, follow the prescribed electrical diagnostics for the BCM and circuit 5985. Check for voltage at BCM connector X4, terminal 22.
4. If TSBs do not apply, proceed with transmission diagnosis. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. The fluid should be red/dark brown and translucent.
5. Inspect the transmission wiring harness and connectors for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. If the fluid is clean and at the correct level, the next step is typically to drop the transmission pan to inspect for excessive clutch material. Minimal debris points towards a valve body issue.
7. If the pan is clean, the valve body should be inspected. A technician can test the solenoids and check for bore wear or sticking valves.
8. Based on findings, replace the faulty component (BCM, valve body, solenoid, or wiring) and re-program if necessary.
9. Clear the codes and perform a test drive to ensure the repair was successful.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Transmission Control Valve Body (OEM #24284995) — This is a common failure point that causes the solenoid to stick or pressure to be regulated improperly, as noted in GM service literature for similar issues.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Sonnax (for rebuild kits)
  OEM price range: $550-$880
  Aftermarket price range: $300-$600
• Body Control Module (BCM) — Per GM TSBs #PIP5697E and #PIP5697B, a faulty BCM can erroneously trigger this code on 2017-2019 Cruzes. Water intrusion is a common cause of failure.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $300-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $200-$400
• Transmission Fluid and Filter Kit — Required whenever the transmission pan is dropped for service on the valve body or solenoids. Must use DEXRON-VI or compatible fluid.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco
  OEM price range: $60-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0700 — P0700 is a general Transmission Control System Malfunction code. The TCM sends a request to the ECM to turn on the Check Engine Light, and P0700 is the generic code stored in the ECM, while the more specific code (like P0747) is stored in the TCM.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• PIP5697E: Cites a possible BCM and/or circuit 5985 concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine shut down.
• PIP5697B: Cites a possible BCM concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine cranking.
• 24-NA-088: Diagnostic tip for P0747 causing a default to 5th gear, pointing to the valve body as the likely cause if fluid is clean.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue documented in TSB #PIP5697E is the potential for a BCM or circuit 5985 concern to set DTC P0747 during engine shutdown when no actual transmission fault exists.
• A related issue in TSB #PIP5697B points to a possible BCM concern if DTC P0747 sets specifically during engine cranking while the transmission is in Park.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Pressure Control Solenoid (PCS) Resistance — expected: 3.0–5.0 Ohms at room temperature.. Failure: A reading outside this range (open or shorted) indicates a faulty solenoid.
• Shift Solenoid Resistance — expected: 16.0–20.0 Ohms at room temperature.. Failure: A reading outside this range points to a bad shift solenoid.
• BCM Ignition Voltage Supply to TCM/ECM — expected: Voltage should be within 4.0 volts of battery positive (B+) for a minimum of 15 seconds after the ignition is cycled off.. Failure: If voltage is not present for the required duration, the TCM/ECM power-down self-test may fail, falsely setting P0747 on the next startup.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 or professional OBD2 scanner: Transmission Adaptation Reset / Quick Learn — This function should be performed after replacing the transmission valve body or the entire transmission control module (TCM) to clear old learned shift data and allow the module to relearn shift points with the new components.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• BCM Connector X4, Terminal 22 — The Body Control Module (BCM) on the 2016+ Cruze is located on the passenger side, under the dashboard. X4 is one of the seven connectors attached to it.. This specific terminal and connector are called out in GM TSB #PIP5697E/D as the point to test for proper ignition voltage being supplied to the TCM/ECM during the power-down sequence. A fault here is a known cause for a false P0747 code.
• Circuit 5985 — This is the data communication circuit (High Speed GMLAN Communication Enable / Accessory Wake up) that runs between the BCM, ECM, and TCM.. The official TSB instructs technicians to inspect this circuit for opens or terminal connection concerns if the BCM voltage test is inconclusive. A fault here can interrupt the necessary power-down communication between modules.
• Main Transmission Connector — On this generation of Cruze, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) is located inside the transmission as part of the valve body assembly (TEHCM). The main external electrical connector is on the transmission case itself.. All power, ground, and data lines for the entire TEHCM, including all solenoids, pass through this single connector. It is a primary point of inspection for corrosion or pin damage when diagnosing any transmission electrical code.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• The existence of GM Technical Service Bulletins #PIP5697E and #PIP5697B serves as strong counter-evidence to the assumption that a P0747 code automatically condemns the transmission's internal components. These bulletins document a scenario where the code is set due to an electrical fault in the Body Control Module (BCM) or its related wiring, even when no hydraulic or mechanical transmission problems are present. This shifts the diagnostic priority from an invasive transmission inspection to an external electrical check first.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 24284984 → 24284995 — Standard part revision and update by the manufacturer.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017-2019: The 6T-series transmissions have two distinct generations. While the exact generation in the 2017-2019 Cruze isn't specified in the search results, a key difference is that Generation 2 TEHCMs (the combined TCM and valve body) do not contain the transmission fluid pressure switches found in Generation 1 models. This is a critical diagnostic difference, as a technician cannot test for a component that isn't there.