Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0916 Gear Shift Position Circuit A Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Set when the gear shift position signal on circuit A of an automated manual gearbox stays below its lowest valid value for longer than a calibrated time. A short to ground on the signal line, a lost sensor supply or an internal sensor defect are the usual causes; depending on the sensor design a broken signal wire reads low as well. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. In the patents of Aisin AI and Nissan/Aichi the shift stroke or shift position sensor is the only feedback telling the controller whether a gear is engaged, so a missing signal stops automatic shifting. CARB requires out-of-range checks on such inputs. P0917 is the matching high fault, P091C and P095C are the low faults of circuits B and C. The gearbox typically locks gear changes or drops to neutral.

Likely causes

Signal wire chafed through and shorted to ground
Sensor reference supply interrupted or shorted
Internal defect of the shift position sensor
Faulty input stage in the transmission control module

Symptoms

  • Check engine or transmission warning light on
  • No gear changes possible or gearbox stays in neutral
  • Engine may not start because neutral cannot be confirmed

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–1,500
Time0.5–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

gear shift position sensor awiring harnesstcm

Related codes

P0914P0915P0917P0918P091CP095C

References: law.cornell.edu, patents.google.com, patents.google.com.