P0815 code meaning
Upshift Switch Circuit
What P0815 means
Tap-up and tap-down switches let the driver choose gears on an automatic (selector gate, buttons or paddles). GM, Ford and Saab all treat a shift request that appears where it is impossible – in park or neutral, at Ford also reverse – or that stays on implausibly long as a stuck switch. P0815 is the upshift switch. GM's 2019 and 2025 tables set it when 'tap up' stays on for more than 1 s in P or N, or permanently in a drive range; the 2018 hybrid table uses 2 s in P/N and 655 s in drive; type C without MIL. Ford's 6R80 and 6F35 SelectShift report a switch closed in P, R or N without MIL. On Saab's 9-4X with the 6T70 a Hall switch feeds a resistor network on one wire: a short to positive sets P0815 or P0816, a short to ground or an open sets P0826. Manual shifting is then disabled.
P0815 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0815
- Manual up shifting not working
- Transmission stays in the normal automatic mode
- No check engine lamp
Common causes of P0815
- Most likelyTap switch or paddle sticking or faulty
- PossibleSignal wire shorted to positive
- PossibleSelector assembly (Hall sensor, resistor network) faulty
- Less likelyClockspring or steering wheel wiring (paddles)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Tap shift switchGear selectorSwitch wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0815 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. |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0815 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 P0815
What does P0815 mean?
P0815 means "Upshift Switch Circuit". Tap-up and tap-down switches let the driver choose gears on an automatic (selector gate, buttons or paddles). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0815?
P0815 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0815 fail an emissions test?
P0815 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 P0815 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0815 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.