What this code means
P0796 may indicate that the CVT pressure control solenoid valve C hydraulic control response is not behaving as expected, or may be stuck off.
What the vehicle may do
- The vehicle may have abnormal CVT engagement or operation.
- The driver may notice drivability changes, or the code may appear with only a warning light.
Possible fault areas
- Possible CVT hydraulic control concerns.
- Possible pressure control solenoid or valve body area concerns.
- Possible intermittent operating-condition-related fault.
Diagnostic path
Open and setup
On this 2010 to 2015 Honda Civic with the 1.8 gas engine and CVT, P0796 is for pressure control solenoid valve C performance, or stuck off. In plain terms, the ECM or PCM may not be seeing the expected hydraulic control response from that part of the CVT system. The driver may notice abnormal engagement or CVT operation, or the only symptom may be the warning light and stored code. Broadly, this can involve the CVT hydraulic control side, the pressure control solenoid and valve body area, or an intermittent condition that only shows up under the right operating conditions. Before chasing the code, start with the basic system checks and follow a structured diagnostic approach so you are not missing a simple setup or system issue.
Duplicate the fault
Start the P0796 check by turning the ignition switch to ON, or selecting ON mode with the engine start stop button. Clear the DTC with the HDS. Then start the engine in Park. With your foot on the brake, shift to Neutral, then shift to Drive, and wait for 30 seconds. Shut the engine off, then repeat that same operating sequence one more time.
Read the result
After the second run, check pending and confirmed DTCs with the HDS. The decision point is simple: see whether P0796 is indicated again. If P0796 is indicated, the failure has been duplicated, and the diagnostic call is to replace the valve body. If P0796 is not indicated, treat it as an intermittent failure. The system is okay at this time. If captured data for this code is available, try to reproduce the failure under those same captured conditions instead of guessing.
Takeaway
The key on P0796 is not to overcomplicate the first pass. Clear it, run the exact Park, Neutral, Drive operating check, wait the required time, repeat it, and let the code result decide whether the fault is duplicated or intermittent. For more diagnostic training, visit stepdiagnostics.com.
Final check
P0796 is handled by first duplicating the fault under the specified operating sequence, then separating a repeatable valve body fault from an intermittent condition.
For more guided automotive diagnostics, visit STEP Diagnostics.
