What it means
The signals of multiple gear lever position sensors do not correlate within the calibrated tolerance.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
The gear lever position sensor system uses multiple sensors to tell the transmission control module where the lever is positioned. This code sets when the module finds that the sensors’ reported positions do not agree within the calibrated tolerance; it does not identify a single sensor pair or axis.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- One sensor characteristic drifted
- Harness incorrectly swapped
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
How to diagnose it
- Record freeze-frame data and use a capable scan tool to compare live readings from all available gear lever position sensors as the lever is moved through its positions.
- Identify which sensor reading first disagrees with the others and whether the mismatch is limited to a particular lever position.
- Inspect the sensor connectors and harness routing for damaged insulation, corrosion, loose or pushed-back pins, and evidence that connectors have been swapped.
- Use the wiring diagram to confirm each sensor is connected to its intended circuit, then check the affected wiring for continuity and shorts.
- Test the suspect sensor’s output across lever travel against the manufacturer’s specification; if readings are plausible but correlation remains wrong, check for a required calibration or learn procedure.
Common fixes
- Correct any gear lever sensor connectors found swapped.
- Repair damaged wiring, loose terminals, or corrosion in the affected sensor circuits.
- Replace the sensor whose output falls outside the manufacturer’s specification.
- Perform the applicable sensor calibration or learn procedure, then verify that all readings correlate.
Can I keep driving?
Limit driving if shifts are harsh, delayed, slipping, or the transmission is in limp mode, and avoid heavy traffic or steep routes where a missed shift could be hazardous. Stop if the transmission cannot select gears predictably, as continued operation may worsen damage.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.