Guide To P0801 OBD Error Code Solutions

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What is P0801 error code? Do you know what are its causes and symptoms? P0801 is a general type if error code which appears due to voltage problem in the reverse inhibitor switch. If the switch malfunctions, the check engine light will be lit. Most often, the transmission control module (TCM) is integrated along with the engine control module (ECM) also known as powertrain control module (PCM).

The automatic shift strategy is calculated by the PCM by using input signals from the transmission sensors and multiple engines. As the vehicle moves in the forward direction the reverse inhibit switch is designed in such a way to prevent the transmission from being shifted to the reverse. The actuation of a plunger is caused by the electronically controlled solenoid as it prevents the reverse shifter pawl from engaging with the reverse gear selector while the transmission is already involved with the forward gear.

What causes this problem with the Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction?

• The reverse inhibit solenoid is faulty.
• The reverse inhibit solenoid is very poor.
• The reverse inhibit control circuit has opening or shorted circuit.
• PCM is faulty or there is a programming error.

1. Engine Control Module - A faulty engine control module can cause trouble in your system. Replace the defective component as soon as possible.
2. Reverse Inhibitor Switch - Check if the reverse inhibitor switch is broken or damaged. If so, replace them with the right part from Parts Avatar at affordable cost.
3. Reverse Inhibitor Sensor - Is this component broken or damaged? Are you looking for the right reverse inhibitor sensor? Then get them from Parts Avatar to avoid P0801 error code.
4. Blown Fuse - Check if the fuses are blown? If yes, then change them with a new one.
5. Shifter - A broken, faulty or damaged shifter has to be replaced immediately so that this error code can be avoided in your vehicle.
6. Powertrain Control Module - This is one of the general diagnostic error code in most of the vehicle. Replace the faulty component with a new one.

Interested in knowing the symptoms to OBD code P0801? If yes, then you have arrived at the right place. We at Parts Avatar have listed out few common symptoms associated with Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction.

Common Symptoms:

• Vehicle moves forward whereas the shifter moves in reverse direction.
• Shifter fails to move in reverse direction.
• No symptoms at all.
• Fuses are blown in the transmission control related circuits.

Have a look at some ways with which you can correct the P0801 code:

• Changing the reverse inhibitor switch.
• Fixing the damaged wires of the switch.
• Replacing the damaged shifter.

There is no need to get strained if your OBD Code is still flashing up as we are here at your service. Have a look at our superior variety of reverse inhibitor switch, reverse inhibitor sensor, blown fuse, shifter, powertrain control module and many more. Now all your problems would vanish within no time.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this P0801 fault code:

• Recover all stored codes and freeze frame data by connecting a scanner to the vehicle. Before you clear the codes, write down the info and see if the code is reset or if the PCM enters readiness mode. If this happens, the code will be irregular which will be hard to diagnose. So you have to worsen this condition to perform further diagnosis.
• As a next step, you have to search for the right source of vehicle information for diagnostic flowcharts, pinout charts of connector, connector face views, and component testing conditions if the code is immediately reset.
• Now you have to check both the voltage and ground circuit so that you will know if it is well-equipped with a DVOM at the reverse inhibit solenoid and sensor. If you find both the voltage and ground circuit, based on the manufacture specification, try checking both the reverse inhibit solenoid and sensor. If the components are found to be defective, then you can assume that they fail to comply as per the specification by the manufacturer. On the other hand, if everything works perfectly, then test the signal circuit which is the input to the PCM.
• Do you find both the reverse inhibit solenoid and sensor to be functional? Is the input signal available? Then you have to test the system circuit with the help of a DVOM. In this method, voltage drop testing, works perfectly well. But make sure to remove all the connectors before you proceed to test the resistance. Shifter linkage wear, shifter bushing wear, or shift pawl wear can also be some of the reasons for a faulty reverse inhibit control.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0801 Code

The most common cause for a P0801 error code can be a poor switch whereas a faulty shifter can also give rise to this code. Changing the switch instead of broken shifter will make the error code appear again.