P0801 code meaning
Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit/Open
What P0801 means
On GM manual gearboxes (Tremec T56/TR6060 in Corvette, Camaro, CTS-V and ATS-V) the engine module drives a solenoid that blocks reverse while the car moves forward. P0801 means its control circuit is open. GM's tables describe the check: the low-side driver's internal diagnosis flags an open line with at least 9 V and the engine above 250 rpm, 20 failures in 25 samples of 250 ms – about 6 s; in 2006 a 5 s comparison of commanded and actual driver state. GM rates it type C, emissions-neutral and without MIL, from 2019 with a 'service vehicle soon' note. Depending on how it fails, reverse cannot be engaged or is no longer blocked. The title was updated to the current J2012 wording with '/Open'.
P0801 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0801
- Reverse hard or impossible to engage
- Reverse no longer blocked
- Service note in the driver display, usually no MIL
Common causes of P0801
- Most likelyConnector at the reverse inhibit solenoid loose or corroded
- PossibleSolenoid coil open
- PossibleHarness between engine module and gearbox damaged
- Less likelyEngine module driver faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Reverse inhibit solenoidSolenoid wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0801 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| 01 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0801 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0801
What does P0801 mean?
P0801 means "Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit/Open". On GM manual gearboxes (Tremec T56/TR6060 in Corvette, Camaro, CTS-V and ATS-V) the engine module drives a solenoid that blocks reverse while the car moves forward. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0801?
P0801 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0801 fail an emissions test?
P0801 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0801 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0801 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.