Pressure Control Solenoid "B" Short Circuit
The transmission control solenoid that regulates hydraulic pressure has an electrical short circuit, like a wire touching metal it shouldn't. This prevents the solenoid from opening and closing properly, disrupting transmission fluid pressure control.
The ECM monitors the coil resistance and current draw of Pressure Control Solenoid B. It expects normal resistance within specification and detects when voltage spikes abnormally or current exceeds safe limits, indicating a short to ground or power.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Solenoid Coil Resistance | 5-15 ohms (varies by design) | < 2 ohms or open circuit detected |
| Solenoid Current Draw | 0.5-2.0 amps | > 3 amps or zero current |
Code P1794 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, P1794 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.