Code
P08E6
Generic
P — Powertrain
Shift Solenoid L Control Circuit/Open
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open wiring or broken conductor between TCM/PCM and Shift Solenoid L
- Poor or corroded connector at the solenoid or module
- Shift solenoid L failed (internal open)
- Short to power or short to ground in the solenoid circuit
- Blown transmission fuse or relay failure affecting solenoid supply
- Faulty TCM/PCM driver output (rare)
Symptoms
- Check Engine / Transmission warning light illuminated
- Transmission may be stuck in one gear, fail to upshift or downshift properly
- Harsh, delayed, or no shifts
- Transmission limp mode may be active (reduced shifting)
- Possible inability to select certain gears or drive modes
What to check
- Retrieve and record freeze frame and full scan data with a good scan tool
- Visually inspect wiring harness, connectors, and ground points for damage, corrosion, or looseness near the solenoid and TCM/PCM
- Check transmission fluid level and condition; low/contaminated fluid can affect solenoid operation
- Verify relevant fuses and relays for the transmission/TCM
- Using a multimeter, check continuity and resistance of the solenoid wiring from connector to module with power off
- Backprobe solenoid connector and check for proper supply voltage (key ON) and switching when commanded by a scan tool
Signal parameters
- Typical solenoid coil resistance (varies by design): commonly ~5–40 ohms; consult vehicle service data for exact value
- Supply voltage at solenoid connector: ~12 V (battery) on supply circuit with key ON; control side is switched/PWM from module from ~0–12 V
- Typical PWM frequency: tens to a few hundred Hz (vehicle-specific)
- Expected current draw when energized: commonly 0.5–2.5 A depending on solenoid design
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record DTCs and freeze-frame data with a scan tool; clear codes and attempt to reproduce.
- Visually inspect connector and wiring to Shift Solenoid L for damage, corrosion, or pin push-out; repair any obvious physical damage.
- Verify transmission fluid level/condition; correct if necessary.
- Check fuses/relays related to transmission power; replace if blown or faulty.
- With key OFF, measure solenoid coil resistance at solenoid connector; compare to spec. An open (infinite) reading indicates a failed solenoid.
- With key ON (engine off), backprobe connector: confirm battery feed on the supply terminal and that the control terminal is at a baseline voltage (varies).
- Command the solenoid ON and OFF using a scan tool while measuring voltage and/or current at the connector; observe switching or PWM waveform. No switching suggests open or module fault.
- If supply present but control never switches and wiring verifies good continuity, suspect TCM/PCM driver fault — confirm with manufacturer diagnostic steps before replacement.
- If wiring continuity is faulty, repair harness/connector and re-test. If solenoid is open, replace solenoid and retest.
- After repairs, clear DTCs and perform a road test or function test to confirm proper operation and no return of the code.
Likely causes
- Broken/chafed harness or pinched wire to solenoid
- Corroded or loose connector at solenoid or module
- Failed solenoid coil (open circuit)
- Blown fuse or damaged power supply for transmission solenoids
Fault status
Status
Open or interrupted control circuit detected for Shift Solenoid L; module cannot command solenoid operation.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
Repair manuals
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