P0821 - OBD Trouble Code

<<See All OBD Codes

The trouble code P0821 can be defined as Gear Lever X Position Circuit. This trouble code is generic, which would mean that it can apply to all the vehicles which are equipped with the OBD-II or the vehicles which are made since 1996 up to the present. The specifications on the definition, the troubleshooting steps as well as repairs can always vary from one vehicle make to another. This can happen because of a lot of reasons and the mechanic should diagnose the specific cause for this code.

It is always good to learn more! That is the reason why we are here to help you out in gaining more knowledge about the P0821 error code. The vehicles with automatic transmission, an appearance of the P0821 fault code would indicate that the powertrain control module has detected some fault in the transmission shift mechanism range circuit, for a given gear lever position. The P0821 code occurs due to an out-of-adjustment transmission range sensor or defective transmission range sensor.

What causes this problem with the Gear Lever X Position Circuit?

• There can be inoperative gear lever X position sensor
• There can be opened or shorted gear lever X position sensor harness
• Gear lever X position sensor circuit might have bad electrical connection

1. Fuel Injector - Did your mechanic just found out that there is some fault in the Fuel Injector? Buy top notch Fuel Injector from us at economical prices.
2. Powertrain Control Module - A broken Powertrain Control Module can cause a lot of issues. It would be nice if you get it replaced on time.
3. Body Control Module Component - Everything is fine with the engine control module and still OBD code P0821 flashing? Then there is definitely some fault with the Body Control Module Component. Get it checked and replace if needed.
4. Fuel Injection Harness - Fuel Injection Harness is an important car part which should never be neglected. May be there is some fault in it due to which P0821 code may start flashing.
5. Engine Control Module - A faulty Engine Control Module can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best auto parts for our customers.

Our main motive is to achieve customer satisfaction as for us our customers are everything and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0821 code by mentioning some major symptoms below:

Common Symptoms

• Check engine light might come into signal

If you wish to correct this fault code, then you have to follow certain steps. Correcting a problem needs your careful attention. Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0821:

• You must fix the defective engine control module
• Repair or replace the quirky gear lever X position sensor circuit
• The opened or shorted gear lever X position sensor circuit harness should be repaired or replaced as per the need
• Make sure to mend the faulty gear lever X position sensor

However, if you face any issue then we have stocked a wide range of best priced New Fuel Injectors, Injection Pump, Fuel Injection Kit, Fuel Injector Tester, Fuel Injection Conversion Kit and more to help you out in fixing your car.

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

It is important to conduct a proper diagnosis before doing any repairs of the vehicle. A diagnostic scanner, a reliable source of vehicle information, and a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM) will be required in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of a code P0821.In a lot of vehicles, there is a changeable resistance design of the transmission range sensor. You can find the switch over the transmission shift shaft, where the shift lever slides on over it. Now when there is a movement in the shift lever, the pivot of the range sensor would move to various contacts.

Various levels of resistance is sent by switch contacts to the powertrain control module, according to the position of the shift lever. These differing levels of voltage is then interpreted by the PCM as the gear selected by the shifter and utilizes this information to decide shift points, fuel metering, engine ignition timing and a lot of different other functions.

The transmission, engine and ABS inputs is used by the PCM to decide whether the transmission is in the right gear for driving conditions, and then after that the powertrain control module would react on this information. Check the system wiring, connectors and constituents, and then mend/restore any open, shorted, defective or corroded items found, after that the entire system should be retested. If all wiring, connectors and other constituents seem to be in proper working condition, then you should connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector.

If there are any stored trouble codes as well as freeze frame data then it should be recorded; this information will be helpful in diagnosing any intermittent conditions that may have consequence in this specific error code. All the codes should be cleared up and the automobile should be taken out for a test drive to see if the code returns.

If it is not appearing, then it means that there is an intermittent condition which may need to be allowed to worsen and return so that proper diagnosis can be done. If the code is returning away, then you should check the transmission range sensor for battery voltage/ground signals. If either ground or battery voltage circuits are open, any related control modules should be disconnected and use the digital volt/ohmmeter to inspect for continuity and resistance in both of the circuits.

Restore any system circuits or connectors which are faulty, and then the entire system should be retested. A manufacturer’s wiring schematic should be obtained and then test all related circuits and the sensor itself for resistance and continuity. It should be then compared to the manufacturer’s specs.

You can always repair and restore any circuits, connectors and constituents that do not comply with manufacturer’s specs. After that you should retest the entire system. Now if you find out that all the circuits comply with manufacturer’s factory specs, then a defective PCM should be suspected but remember that failure in the powertrain control module is very rare and there would be a need of complete reprogramming.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0821 Code

• The mechanics simply replace the transmission range sensor which can waste a lot of time as this issue can be solved by just a simple adjustment.