P0746 and P0965 on a 2014-2017 Nissan Versa Note: Read Every Other CVT Code First

P0746 and P0965 are CVT pressure control solenoid performance codes. On the 2014-2017 Nissan Versa Note the TCM sets them when pulley speed ratio or primary ratio strays from what it expects. The control valve is the repair when the belt and pulse rotor are sound, but read every other stored CVT code first. The car can drop into fail-safe with slow starts, so do not count on it for a long drive.

What do P0746 and P0965 mean on a 2014-2017 Versa Note?

P0746 (Pressure Control Solenoid A Performance/Stuck Off) points at the line pressure solenoid, a linear solenoid on the control valve inside the transaxle. It controls the pressure regulator valve and is a normal-high type, which means it still produces hydraulic control when its coil is not energized. The TCM compares primary to secondary pulley speed while the car moves and sets the code when that ratio runs past its limits. The check runs only when all of these hold:

• 500 msec or more have passed since ignition ON.
• The selector is in any position other than P and N.
• Idle is not being detected.
• Engine speed is 600 rpm or more.
• Primary pulley speed is 500 rpm or more.
• Auxiliary gearbox shifting is not in progress.
• Acceleration or deceleration is minus 0.05 G or more.
• Primary pulley speed has reached 306 rpm or more and secondary 230 rpm or more at least once.
• Output speed is 107 rpm or less, or secondary pulley speed exceeds 61 rpm.

The TCM then looks for either of these:

• The primary-to-secondary speed ratio stays above 2.55 for 200 msec or more continuously.
• The ratio stays above 3.35 for 100 msec or more continuously.

Either one must be detected twice or more, the second at least 1 second after the first, inside one driving cycle (ignition OFF, ON, drive, OFF).

P0965 (Pressure control solenoid B control circuit range performance) points at the primary pressure solenoid, also a normal-high linear solenoid on the control valve. It controls the primary pressure control valve, which sets feed pressure to the primary pulley. It runs with the selector in any position other than P and N, auxiliary gearbox shifting not in progress and engine speed above 500 rpm. It sets when the TCM asks for one pulley ratio and the CVT sits at another, with either of these present for 5 seconds or more continuously:

• Actual primary pulley ratio is 2.0 to 2.4 while the target is less than 1.2.
• Actual primary pulley ratio is 0.35 to 0.75 while the target is more than 1.55.

Both are 2-trip codes. The first detection stores a first-trip code with the light off; the same fault on the next drive stores the code and lights the MIL, which the TCM requests from the ECM over CAN. The light goes out after 3 trips with no fault and the code erases after 40; counters restart if the fault returns.

Related circuit codes are also 2-trip with the TCM supply above 11 V:

• P0962 (solenoid A circuit low) sets when solenoid current is 200 mA or less for 200 msec or more at a command of 750 mA or more and the ground short diagnosis is satisfied. P0963 (circuit high) uses the same figures with that diagnosis not satisfied.
• P0966 (solenoid B circuit low) sets when current is 200 mA or less for 480 msec or more at a command of 750 mA or more with a ground short diagnosed in the drive circuit. P0967 (circuit high) sets at 200 mA or less for 200 msec or more at the same command with that diagnosis not satisfied.

What symptoms do P0746 and P0965 cause on the Versa Note?

• Judder or shudder on acceleration.
• Hesitation or lack of power.
• RPM flare (P0746).
• Slow start and acceleration.
• No lock-up.
• Harsh selector shock.
• Vehicle speed not climbing (P0746).
• Warning light on after a second detection.

What causes P0746 and P0965 on the Versa Note, most likely first?

The control valve leads because it is the repair when the belt and pulse rotor are sound.

How do you diagnose P0746 and P0965 on a 2014-2017 Versa Note?

You will need a scan tool with Nissan transmission work support, a drain pan, a torque wrench and new O-rings and gaskets.

What if the obvious fix does not work?

If the valve is in and the codes return, go back to belt and pulley wear, a loose pulse rotor and the input shaft bearing.

Do not replace a single pressure solenoid; they come as part of the control valve. A fluid service alone may not clear these codes either.

If P17F2, P17F4, P2857, P2858, P2859 or P285A is still stored after any available reprogram, or the pan has large metal pieces, or the bearing check fails, the next step is CVT or transaxle replacement, not another valve.

How do you confirm the repair?

A TCM reprogram, if available, comes first. Then run the reset and relearn in this order. They are required after a new control valve:

• Erase the TCM memory data with the scan tool and confirm the calibration data reads the reset values.
• Load and store the new calibration data: shift to P, ignition OFF 5 seconds, then ON; P must show at once.
• Erase the CVT fluid deterioration data.
• Run clutch learning. If your scan tool lists auxiliary gearbox clutch point learning, run that. If not, warm the fluid to 50 degrees C (122 degrees F), cycle the engine off and on three times, then make five stop-and-go cycles at low throttle (0.5/8 to 1/8) up to 45 km/h (28 mph). On cars without idle neutral control, run five cycles up to 65 km/h (40 mph) first, then the five at 45 km/h (28 mph).
• Set the fluid level with the fluid at 35 to 45 degrees C (95 to 113 degrees F), about 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) as the target.
• Drive the car and check for no shock on gear changes.

Then run the confirmation drive, only after the repair:

• For P0746, start the engine, then drive in D with accelerator pedal position of 0.1/8 or more at 40 km/h (25 mph) or more for 10 seconds or more. Stop and check for a first-trip code.
• For P0965, start the engine, then drive at 20 km/h (13 mph) or more for 20 seconds or more. Stop and check for a first-trip code.
• After another confirmation procedure, turn the ignition OFF for at least 10 seconds first.