Error Code P0917: What It Means & What To Do?

<<See All OBD Codes

See the error code P0917 flashing? Don’t know what to do? Well, Parts Avatar has all that you need to crack the error code P0917. It should be noted that the OBD-II error code is determined as a gear shift position circuit high. The engine computer is informed about what gear the transmission is in by a sensor that is positioned over the shift lever and is located in the manual transmissions. If the PCM receives an impractical signal from the shift lever position sensor, the error code P0917 is stored. The shift lever position sensor can be found in the shift lever assembly.

This generic OBD-II trouble code P0917 identifies an electrical fault with the transmission gear shift position circuit. The vehicle’s position, whether it is in a forward or rearward gear (in an automatic transmission), or in an even or odd numbered gear (in a manual transmission) is detected by the gear shift position circuit. When an electrical malfunction from the gear shift position circuit is identified by the PCM, the error code P0917 will be stored.

What causes this problem with the Gear Shift Position Circuit High?

• A damaged gear shift position sensor gear
• Open or short circuited shift position sensor harness
• A fragile electrical connection in the gear shift position sensor circuit

1. Engine control module - Facing the error code P0917? An inferior quality engine control module can always be hazardous for the system also it is one of the primal causes behind the occurring of the error code P0917. Tune into Parts Avatar for supreme quality engine control module at economical prices.
2. Transmission control module - Having problems with the transmission control module? Don’t you worry, Parts Avatar has it all. A faulty transmission control module could end up being the root cause behind the error code P0917.
3. Gear shift position sensor - An erroneous gear shift position sensor can end up being the chief host inviting the error code P0917. So replacing one can be one of the wisest decisions to avoid a problematic system.
4. Powertrain control module - Abbreviated PCM; this is an integral control unit. So a defective one should be changed immediately.
5. Shift lever position sensor - A distorted shift lever position sensor can end up being the chief host inviting the error code P0917. So replacing one can be one of the wisest decisions to avoid a problematic system.
6. Shift lever assembly - Facing the error code P0917? Well, get that fixed with a new shift lever assembly at Parts Avatar available online at the best prices.

Have you ever wondered why is it so important to know the symptoms of the problem? Well, it is extremely essential to know the symptoms of the problem in order to detect it. Keeping this in mind, let’s throw some light on few common symptoms of OBD error code P0917.

Common Symptoms

Generally, an illuminated check engine soon warning light on the vehicle’s gauge cluster accompanies the error code P0917. The symptoms visible range from being mild rough shiftings to intense ones as a complete incapacity to change gears. After the code P0917 has been stored, the driver is likely to experience a falling fuel efficiency as well.

To correct this issue you might need to undergo few replacements for the defective parts such as:

• All the electrical components in the system that are malfunctioning should be replaced
• The circuit should be mended if faulty or corroded
• A replacement or repair of an erroneous PCM (least likely to happen)

If you need parts to fix this issue, you no longer need to search for them. We at PartsAvatar Canada have an extensive range of auto parts in stock from you, engine control module, transmission control module, gear shift position sensor, powertrain control module, shift lever position sensor, shift lever assembly, diesel particulate filter, automatic transmission filter, gear shift, body control module, shift solenoid, automatic shift knobs, transmission sensor, transmission shift solenoid, shift lock solenoid, shift interlock solenoid, transmission shifter, solenoid sensor, transmission control system ranging from all replacement parts to all interior and exterior parts.

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

In order to diagnose the error code P0917, a certified mechanic will start by using a standard OBD-II trouble code scanner. The scanner will be utilized to view and store the freeze frame data for the code. Also, the mechanic through this looks out for any additional codes stored. If displayed, these additional codes stored should be attended in the exact order they are stored in by the mechanic. Next, the codes should be cleared and the system should be retested by the mechanic to see if the code P0917 returns back. If it fails to return back, then it should be assumed that the code was stored falsely or was a result of an intermittent error.

The mechanic will inspect the electrical parts in the gear shift position system, if the code persists. All the corroded or disconnected wirings, connectors or fuses should be replaced or repaired as per the requirements. Also, it is advised for the mechanic to check for a short circuit to the positive battery. A more intense and thorough inspection would be required of the gear shift position (particularly the sensors) and the PCM, if the problem remains unsolved. 

It is recommended for the technician to halt the inspection and diagnosis, in order to retest the vehicle, reset the code to see if it returns back. Performing this during the diagnosis procedure helps the mechanic to know about whether the problem has been solved or not.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0917 Code

Here listed are a few common mistakes that should be avoided while diagnosing the error code P0917:

• A possible failure in the shift lever assembly
• A faulty transmission control module (TCM)
• Issues with the wiring