P0809 code meaning
Clutch Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P0809 means
The 'Clutch Position Sensor A' family (P0805 circuit to P0809, P080A not learned) means different parts by vehicle generation. GM used P0806–P080A until model year 2018 for the analog clutch pedal sensor of its manual cars, then the newer pedal sensor codes P08A8 ff; Saab's 2012 9-3 does the same. Ford's DPS6 dual clutch uses the family for the electric motor of clutch A. P0809 is documented only for Ford's DPS6 (Fiesta from 2011, Focus from 2012): the motor that operates clutch A carries three Hall sensors, one per phase, and while the motor turns they must produce a fixed sequence; a wrong sequence sets the code. The clutch B counterpart is P087E. The module then loses confidence in the clutch position, so clutch A with the odd gears 1, 3 and 5 is restricted. GM and Saab do not use P0809; Ford publishes no thresholds.
P0809 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0809
- Check engine lamp on
- Jerky or judder take-off
- Limp mode, odd gears missing
Common causes of P0809
- Most likelyClutch A actuator motor or its Hall sensors faulty
- PossibleLoose contact at the actuator connector
- Less likelyTransmission module Hall evaluation faulty
- Less likelySupply voltage dips
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch actuator motorClutch position sensorTransmission control module
What each part of P0809 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. |
| 09 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0809 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 P0809
What does P0809 mean?
P0809 means "Clutch Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent". The 'Clutch Position Sensor A' family (P0805 circuit to P0809, P080A not learned) means different parts by vehicle generation. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0809?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0809 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0809 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0809 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0809 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0809 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.