What it means
The drive motor A clutch pawl position circuit reports a low condition. Hybrid clutch engagement cannot be reliably commanded or verified.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
Drive Motor A's clutch pawl locks or releases part of the hybrid drivetrain, and its position sensor tells the transmission controller whether the pawl moved as commanded. This code sets when the sensor signal is lower than the controller's permitted range, so pawl engagement cannot be confirmed reliably.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Internal sensor short
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
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
- Use a scan tool to record freeze-frame data and check the Drive Motor A pawl position reading, since this can show whether the low signal is constant or tied to a shift event.
- With the vehicle safely parked, inspect the pawl sensor connector and harness for corrosion, damaged insulation, loose pins, or a signal wire touching ground.
- Check the sensor supply, ground, and signal circuit against the vehicle wiring diagram and manufacturer's specification to locate a short to ground or poor connection.
- If wiring and connector checks pass, test the pawl position sensor output through its operating range using the manufacturer's procedure.
- If the signal remains low with the circuit isolated and wiring verified, test or inspect the Drive Motor A pawl mechanism and control system using manufacturer-approved procedures.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure corroded or loose pawl sensor connector terminals.
- Repair a signal wire shorted to ground or damaged harness section.
- Replace a failed Drive Motor A clutch pawl position sensor.
- Repair a sticking or damaged pawl mechanism if sensor and wiring tests pass.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid driving if shifts are harsh, delayed, slipping, or the transmission is in limp mode; the vehicle may lose drive or become stuck in a gear. Arrange prompt diagnosis, and stop safely if the transmission behavior becomes unpredictable.
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.