P0918 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Error code P0918? Worried? Well, Parts Avatar has all that you need. Here’s all you need to know about the error code P0918. It should be noted that the OBD-II code P0918, often determined as a gear shift position circuit intermittent is triggered due to a malfunction in the transmission control module. Generally, the manual transmissions have a sensor installed on the shift lever that performs the role of informing the engine computer (PCM) about what gear the transmission is in. When the PCM receives an impractical signal from the shift lever position sensor, the error code P0918 is stored. The shift lever position sensor can be found in the shift lever assembly.

It is observed that in this specific circuit, a universal resistance level of 8 ohms is the paradigm for most of the vehicles. The code P0918 sets in and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates, when there are fluctuations of more than 10 percent (higher or lower). One should be careful with the heater circuit voltage being consistent with battery voltage, as any 10 percent fluctuation may result in a stored trouble code too. The code is stored and the MIL illuminates when the closed-loop O2 sensor readings remain stable for 8 seconds or more.

What causes this problem of gear shift position circuit intermittent?

Generally, it can be noticed that in most of the cases a malfunctioning transmission range sensor or a wrongly fit or a misadjusted transmission range sensor trigger the error code P0918. It should be noted that the code is particularly for an intermittent errors. Disconnected, corroded or defective wirings or contacts also at times lead to the storage of the error code P0918.

1. Engine control module - A loose or damaged engine control module can be troublesome. In order to fix your error code P0918, get your engine control module mended or restored immediately.
2. Transmission control module - A completely damaged or malfunctioning transmission control module can end up being the chief host inviting the error code P0918. So replacing one can be one of the wisest decisions to avoid a problematic system.
3. Gear shift position sensor - Distorted gear shift position sensor can end up being the chief host inviting the error code P0918. 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 - Weary and damaged shift lever position sensors can often be problematic. So to add some spark to your ride you definitely need the perfect quality shift lever position sensor offered at Parts Avatar. Isn’t that just the perfect deal?
6. Shift lever assembly - Having problems with the shift lever assembly? Don’t you worry, Parts Avatar has it all. A faulty shift lever assembly could end up being the root cause behind the error code P0918.

Next important thing you need to know about are the common symptoms for this obd error code P0918 with your fuel volume control.

Common Symptoms:

• Extremely harsh shifting
• Complication or no shifting at all
• An activated limp-in mode
• Falling fuel economy

Wish to correct this error code with your vehicle? Do you know what all you should do to make your car free from this code? Well, don’t worry! We are here to guide you.

• A malfunctioning transmission range sensor should be replaced or repaired as per the requirements
• All the electrical components, wirings and connectors should be visually inspected. All the corroded, disconnected or faulty wirings should be mended or restored to avoid any further complications

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.

It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P0918 code to be stored:

Firstly, to begin with the diagnosis, the mechanic will need a premium quality OBD-II scanner/code reader along with a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM). A large number of vehicles, particularly the Ford models are designed in a way that they have the variable resistance transmission range sensor installed. In the transmission sensor, the switch can be located over the shaft, where the lever slides along a row of contacts. The range sensor spins and moves to different contacts, when the shift lever is moved.

The PCM then receives different levels of resistance from the contacts, according to the position of the shift lever. As the gear selected at the shifter, these variating levels of resistance are read by the PCM. Then the PCM acts on this information in order to determine shift points, engine ignition timing, fuel metering and various other functions. Also, the proper gear for the transmission according to the information on the engine load, RPMs and other factors are also determined by the PCM.

• All the related wirings, connectors and components should be visually inspected. All the open, short circuited or damaged ones should be repaired or replaced. After thoroughly checking the components, the scanner should be connected to the diagnostic port and all the stored trouble codes should be recorded.
• Continuity/resistance in both circuits using the DVOM should be checked if either ground or battery voltage circuits are detected “open”. One should always remember to disconnect any related control modules to prevent damage.
• It is recommended to use a factory chart while testing any related circuits and sensors itself for resistance/continuity. One should constantly compare to the factory scheme and mend or restore any circuits, connectors or electrical parts that fail to match the factory scheme.
• Lastly, the system should be retested and the codes should be cleared to see if the problem persists.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0918 Code

Here listed are a few common mistakes that should be avoided in order to prevent a misdiagnose

• A failure in the shift lever assembly
• A malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM)
• Complications due to the wiring