Gear Shift Position Sensor Circuit Failure
The ECM detects a fault in the gear shift position sensor circuit.
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What it means (plain English)
The gear shift position sensor tells the engine control module (ECM) what gear the transmission is in, so it can adjust engine power accordingly. When it fails, that info gets messed up, which can prevent the vehicle from shifting properly.
What the computer is actually seeing
The ECM expects to see a voltage signal (typically around 0.5 to 4.5 volts) that correlates to the gear position. If the signal is below 0.1V or above 4.9V, or if there's no signal at all, the code triggers.
What a healthy reading looks like
Expected voltage should range between 0.5V and 4.5V for each gear position. If in park, should read close to 0.5V; in drive, close to 4.5V.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Inspect the wiring and connector to the gear shift position sensor for damage or corrosion. If found, repair or replace the damaged components. Decision: Repair made?
- 22. Check the voltage at the sensor connector with the key on, engine off. Expected voltage is around 0.5V to 4.5V. If outside this range, proceed to step 3; if correct, consider sensor replacement. Decision: Voltage correct?
- 33. With the wiring and connections verified, replace the gear shift position sensor. Decision: Replacing sensor concluded.
Common causes
- Faulty gear shift position sensor
- Damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit
- Poor ground connection to the sensor
Typical repair cost
$$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I still drive the vehicle with this code?
You can drive it, but shifting may be erratic, which can lead to further transmission issues.
Will this problem come back after repairs?
If the sensor and wiring are fixed correctly, it should not come back unless there's another issue.
Why am I seeing other SPN codes with this one?
They could all be related to the same electrical issue or malfunction in the transmission system.
Working a real vehicle right now?
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