P0956 — ASM Mode Circuit Range/Performance

P0956: ASM Mode Circuit Range/Performance — what it means, the affected system and what to check before replacing parts.

Meaning, symptoms, causes and checks

ASM operating-mode circuit: The monitored response fails its expected range or performance relationship, rather than specifying one failed component. This is the selected operating-mode signal, such as sport or winter where supported. It is separate from the actual gear and from an individual hydraulic solenoid.

Affected system: Automatic/manual shift control (ASM)

Symptoms

  • Warning light may illuminate
  • Related system function may be impaired
  • Vehicle-specific symptoms vary

Possible causes

  • Transmission fluid, hydraulic, solenoid, connector, or control-circuit issue
  • Related wiring, connector, power or ground fault
  • Vehicle-specific mechanical or control issue

What to check

  • Record stored and pending codes and freeze-frame data
  • Compare commanded and actual transmission data, inspect fluid condition and level according to the vehicle procedure, then test the relevant circuit and solenoid.
  • Confirm measured values against the vehicle service information
  • Retest under the conditions that set the code
  • Compare commanded and actual transmission data, inspect fluid condition and level according to the vehicle procedure, then test the relevant circuit and solenoid.
  • Repair the verified cause and confirm the code does not return

Also written as: P0956-00, P095600, PO956 (some scan tools add the fault-type byte, e.g. -00).