What it means
The drive motor A clutch pawl position circuit reports a high 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 reports whether the pawl reached the requested position. This code sets when the sensor signal is higher than the controller's allowed range, preventing reliable confirmation of pawl engagement.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Signal wire shorted to B+
- Open sensor
- 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
- Record freeze-frame data and view the Drive Motor A pawl position signal with a scan tool to see whether it stays high or rises during a particular shift.
- Inspect the pawl sensor connector and harness for corrosion, loose or pushed-back pins, and wiring that may be open or touching battery voltage.
- Check the sensor supply, ground, and signal wiring against the wiring diagram and manufacturer's specification, looking for an open circuit or short to B+.
- If the harness checks out, test the pawl position sensor output using the manufacturer's procedure to determine whether the sensor itself is open or stuck high.
- If the electrical signal behaves correctly, inspect the pawl mechanism and its commanded movement using manufacturer-approved service information.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure corroded or loose sensor connector terminals.
- Repair an open signal wire or a wire shorted to battery voltage.
- Replace a failed Drive Motor A clutch pawl position sensor.
- Repair a pawl mechanism that cannot complete commanded movement.
Can I keep driving?
Do not continue a trip if shifts are missing, slipping, or the vehicle enters limp mode; a high pawl signal can leave engagement unverified and drive unavailable. If it still shifts normally, limit driving to a safe route for prompt diagnosis.
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.