Code
P0929
Generic
P — Powertrain
Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit A Range/Performance
Views:
UK: 24
EN: 74
RU: 36
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open, short, or high-resistance wiring in the shift-lock solenoid control or return circuit
- Corroded, loose, or damaged connector at the solenoid or TCM
- Failed gear shift lock solenoid/actuator (coil open/short, mechanically stuck)
- Blown fuse, relay, or inadequate supply voltage to the circuit
- Faulty TCM or internal driver transistor
- Mechanical binding in the shift-lock mechanism or actuator linkage
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) / Check Engine Light illuminated
- Key/starter interlock or shift interlock may not release (cannot shift out of Park)
- Intermittent or no operation of shift-lock mechanism
- Transmission shift-related warnings or limp-home behavior
- Stored transmission-related trouble codes
What to check
- Read and record freeze-frame data and all stored codes with a scan tool; check for related transmission codes
- Verify battery voltage and charging system condition (stable 12–14.5 V with key on/cranking)
- Inspect fuses and relays for the transmission/shift-lock circuit
- Visually inspect connectors and wiring for corrosion, damaged insulation, pin push-out, or water intrusion
- Backprobe the solenoid connector and monitor voltage/ground while commanding the solenoid with a scan tool
- Measure solenoid coil resistance with a multimeter (compare to service specification or typical range)
Signal parameters
- Control signal: On/off or PWM from TCM when commanded (duty cycle varies by design)
- Supply voltage (key ON): ~12 V nominal at fuse/solenoid supply (should not drop significantly when commanded)
- Solenoid coil resistance: typically low-ohm range (example 5–100 Ω depending on design) — consult vehicle spec
- Circuit continuity: near 0 Ω to ground when expected; no open circuits
- Current draw when energized: measurable and within expected range (no excessive current suggesting short, no open/infinite suggesting open coil)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Confirm code and scan for related codes; review freeze-frame and any transmission status data.
- Verify battery state and test fuses/relays that feed the shift-lock circuit; replace any blown fuses.
- Visually inspect the solenoid/actuator connector and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or loose pins; repair as needed.
- With connector accessible, backprobe the solenoid connector. Command the shift-lock solenoid ON/OFF with a scan tool and observe voltage/ground behavior.
- Measure the solenoid coil resistance with the connector disconnected. Compare to specification or typical expected range. If open/shorted, replace the solenoid.
- Apply specified nominal voltage to the solenoid (bench test) to verify mechanical operation. Do not exceed vehicle nominal voltage and follow safe bench-testing practices.
- Check for intermittent faults: wiggle harness and connectors while commanding the solenoid and monitoring signal/current. Repair or replace damaged wiring/connector.
- If wiring and solenoid check good, verify TCM output with an oscilloscope or a known-good module diagnostic procedure. Replace or reprogram TCM only after confirming the driver output is faulty and no wiring/ground issue exists.
- After repairs, clear codes, test operation in multiple conditions (key positions, cranking, shift attempts), and perform a road/test drive if applicable to confirm resolution.
Likely causes
- Damaged/loose connector or wiring to the shift-lock solenoid
- Failed solenoid/actuator (electrical or mechanical)
- Blown fuse or poor battery/ignition supply voltage
- Faulty TCM output driver (less common)
- Mechanical obstruction preventing actuator movement
Fault status
Status
Gear Shift Lock Solenoid/Actuator Control Circuit A — Range/Performance out of expected parameters
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Brands with available manuals
6,021
The library contains 6,021 repair and diagnostic manuals. Choose a brand to open the full manual tree by year, model and trim.
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
