Home / DTC / P1885 — Gearbox Drive unit(SRC Up)

P1885 — Gearbox Drive unit(SRC Up)

Detailed page for trouble code P1885.

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Code

P1885

MITSUBISHI P — Powertrain

Gearbox Drive unit(SRC Up)

AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty gearbox drive unit actuator (stuck or mechanically jammed)
  • Open/short in drive unit wiring or poor connector connection (corrosion, bent pins)
  • Failed shift/drive solenoid or position sensor
  • Low or contaminated transmission fluid causing binding or improper pressure
  • Faulty transmission control module (TCM) or related ECU software issue
  • Intermittent power/ground supply to actuator (battery/charging issues)

Symptoms

  • Amber Check Engine or Transmission warning lamp illuminated
  • Transmission may be stuck in one gear or fail to shift correctly
  • Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or limp-home mode
  • No drive or unexpected engagement when selecting gears
  • Stored freeze-frame data showing abnormal actuator state

What to check

  • Read and record freeze-frame and all stored transmission and engine codes with a capable scan tool
  • Visually inspect connectors and wiring at the gearbox drive unit and TCM for corrosion, heat damage or loose pins
  • Check battery voltage and charging system (low voltage can cause erratic actuator behavior)
  • Check transmission fluid level and condition; look for contamination or burnt smell
  • Use scan tool to view live data/actuator status and command the drive unit on/off where possible
  • Perform a wiggle test on wiring while monitoring live data for intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Actuator/control circuit continuity: expect low ohm resistance for solenoid coils (typical range often 5–30 Ω depending on design) — consult vehicle-specific service manual for exact values
  • Control voltage range: 0–12 V supply on power feed; command signals may be PWM varying 0–100% duty cycle
  • Feedback/position sensors (if present): typically 0–5 V analog or discrete logic indicating position — compare to known-good values from service manual

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Verify P1885 present and record freeze-frame; clear code and attempt a drive to see if it returns.
  2. Inspect wiring and connectors at the gearbox drive unit and TCM; repair corrosion, bent pins or damaged insulation.
  3. Check battery/charging voltage and repair if low. Low system voltage can create false faults.
  4. Check transmission fluid level and condition; top or change fluid if low/contaminated. Replace filter if applicable.
  5. With a multimeter, measure continuity and resistance of the actuator/solenoid circuit; compare to manufacturer specs. Check for shorts to ground or power.
  6. Use a scan tool to command the drive unit/solenoid and observe response (actuator movement, current draw, changes in position feedback).
  7. If actuator does not respond electrically but wiring and power/ground are good, remove and bench-test or replace the gearbox drive unit/solenoid. Inspect mechanically for binding.
  8. If actuator and wiring test good but code persists, inspect TCM grounds and connectors and consider reflashing/updating TCM software or replacing TCM after ruling out all hardware issues.
  9. After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test and re-scan to confirm the fault is resolved.

Likely causes

  • Wiring/connector fault to drive actuator
  • Stuck/failed gearbox drive actuator or solenoid
  • Low/dirty transmission fluid causing mechanical binding

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Transmission control module detected gearbox drive unit (SRC) in an unexpected activated/up state or abnormal signal; electrical or mechanical fault in drive actuator circuit suspected.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-3.0 hours
406

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Code

P1885

Other P — Powertrain

Transmission Transfer Case Disengaged Solenoid Short to Ground

Brand: Other
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty gearbox drive unit actuator (stuck or mechanically jammed)
  • Open/short in drive unit wiring or poor connector connection (corrosion, bent pins)
  • Failed shift/drive solenoid or position sensor
  • Low or contaminated transmission fluid causing binding or improper pressure
  • Faulty transmission control module (TCM) or related ECU software issue
  • Intermittent power/ground supply to actuator (battery/charging issues)

Symptoms

  • Amber Check Engine or Transmission warning lamp illuminated
  • Transmission may be stuck in one gear or fail to shift correctly
  • Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or limp-home mode
  • No drive or unexpected engagement when selecting gears
  • Stored freeze-frame data showing abnormal actuator state

What to check

  • Read and record freeze-frame and all stored transmission and engine codes with a capable scan tool
  • Visually inspect connectors and wiring at the gearbox drive unit and TCM for corrosion, heat damage or loose pins
  • Check battery voltage and charging system (low voltage can cause erratic actuator behavior)
  • Check transmission fluid level and condition; look for contamination or burnt smell
  • Use scan tool to view live data/actuator status and command the drive unit on/off where possible
  • Perform a wiggle test on wiring while monitoring live data for intermittent faults

Signal parameters

  • Actuator/control circuit continuity: expect low ohm resistance for solenoid coils (typical range often 5–30 Ω depending on design) — consult vehicle-specific service manual for exact values
  • Control voltage range: 0–12 V supply on power feed; command signals may be PWM varying 0–100% duty cycle
  • Feedback/position sensors (if present): typically 0–5 V analog or discrete logic indicating position — compare to known-good values from service manual

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Verify P1885 present and record freeze-frame; clear code and attempt a drive to see if it returns.
  2. Inspect wiring and connectors at the gearbox drive unit and TCM; repair corrosion, bent pins or damaged insulation.
  3. Check battery/charging voltage and repair if low. Low system voltage can create false faults.
  4. Check transmission fluid level and condition; top or change fluid if low/contaminated. Replace filter if applicable.
  5. With a multimeter, measure continuity and resistance of the actuator/solenoid circuit; compare to manufacturer specs. Check for shorts to ground or power.
  6. Use a scan tool to command the drive unit/solenoid and observe response (actuator movement, current draw, changes in position feedback).
  7. If actuator does not respond electrically but wiring and power/ground are good, remove and bench-test or replace the gearbox drive unit/solenoid. Inspect mechanically for binding.
  8. If actuator and wiring test good but code persists, inspect TCM grounds and connectors and consider reflashing/updating TCM software or replacing TCM after ruling out all hardware issues.
  9. After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test and re-scan to confirm the fault is resolved.

Likely causes

  • Wiring/connector fault to drive actuator
  • Stuck/failed gearbox drive actuator or solenoid
  • Low/dirty transmission fluid causing mechanical binding

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Transmission control module detected gearbox drive unit (SRC) in an unexpected activated/up state or abnormal signal; electrical or mechanical fault in drive actuator circuit suspected.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-3.0 hours
8,997

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