Code
P0924
Generic
P — Powertrain
Gear Shift Reverse Actuator Circuit/Open
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted wiring between TCM and reverse actuator
- Corroded, loose, bent or contaminated connector pins at actuator or TCM
- Failed reverse shift actuator/solenoid (internal open)
- Blown fuse or faulty power/ground supply to the actuator circuit
- Faulty TCM or driver transistor (less common)
- Mechanical binding or seized actuator causing high current and circuit fault
Symptoms
- MIL (check engine/AT) illuminated
- Transmission refuses or struggles to select REVERSE or slips into neutral on reverse command
- Clicking or no sound from actuator when reverse is selected
- Intermittent reverse engagement or only engages after key cycling
- Related drivability or fault codes stored in TCM
What to check
- Read stored DTCs and freeze frame data from both engine ECU and TCM; note any related transmission codes
- Visually inspect wiring and connectors at the reverse actuator and TCM for damage, corrosion, or water intrusion
- Check fuses/relays supplying the transmission actuators
- Listen for actuator operation when commanding reverse (if accessible)
- Perform a basic continuity and resistance check of actuator circuit with ignition off
- Backprobe connector and observe voltage/ground while commanding reverse with scan tool
Signal parameters
- Power supply: typically battery voltage (~11–14.5 V) present at actuator power pin with ignition ON (vehicle dependent)
- Control signal: TCM may switch ground or supply; when commanded expect a switched voltage change (0 V to near battery voltage) or PWM duty change
- Actuator coil resistance: typical solenoid resistance range ~2–50 Ω (vehicle-specific) — consult manufacturer spec before relying on exact value
- No-load current: expected modest current when energized; a very high or infinite resistance indicates short/open fault
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a diagnostic scan tool; record P0924 and any additional transmission codes, then clear and re-scan to confirm repeatability
- Inspect the reverse actuator connector and wiring for chafing, pin damage, corrosion, water ingress or rodent damage
- Check fuses/relays for the transmission control circuits and replace if blown
- With ignition OFF, disconnect actuator and measure coil resistance across actuator pins; compare to manufacturer spec — infinite/open indicates failed actuator
- With harness disconnected, check continuity between actuator connector and TCM connector for open circuit; also check for unintended continuity to ground or battery (short)
- With connector connected and backprobed, have an assistant command reverse with scan tool while observing voltage/ground at the connector; verify correct switching behavior and battery voltage presence
- Perform a wiggle test on wiring while monitoring live data or watching for code reappearance to find intermittent faults
- If wiring and actuator check good, inspect TCM connector for damaged pins and verify TCM grounds and supply voltages; if suspicious, substitute a known-good actuator (if available) or perform TCM output tests per service manual
- After repair, clear codes, perform functional tests and road test to confirm reverse engagement and no return of code
Likely causes
- Damaged/abraded wiring harness to reverse actuator
- Corroded/poor connector contact at actuator or transmission connector
- Failed actuator coil (open circuit)
- Blown fuse or bad ground connection
Fault status
Status
Gear shift reverse actuator circuit open/incorrect - P0924 stored by TCM
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours
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