P0822 code meaning
Gear Lever Y Position Sensor 1 Circuit
What P0822 means
Gear lever X and Y position sensors detect a selector's position in two directions: on an H-gate shift and select direction (a LuK patent uses two sensors about 90° apart), on a shift-by-wire lever its two axes. P0820 covers the whole X-Y circuit, P0821–P0824 and P082A–P082F sensor 1, P089A–P08A3 a redundant sensor 2. P0822 is the same for the Y axis – the second direction of movement, on an H-gate the select gate. No manufacturer document available to us uses it; GM reports the Y axis as P082D, P082E and P082F. A failed Y sensor can hide a gate change, for example into the manual gate or the reverse gate.
P0822 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0822
- Transmission warning in the cluster
- Manual gate or reverse not selectable
- With both sensors failed the vehicle stays in P or N
Common causes of P0822
- Most likelyY position sensor in the selector assembly faulty
- Most likelySignal wire or connector open or corroded
- PossibleLiquid or dirt in the center console
- Less likelyControl module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Gear lever position sensorElectronic range selectorSensor wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P0822 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. |
| 22 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0822 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 P0822
What does P0822 mean?
P0822 means "Gear Lever Y Position Sensor 1 Circuit". Gear lever X and Y position sensors detect a selector's position in two directions: on an H-gate shift and select direction (a LuK patent uses two sensors about 90° apart), on a shift-by-wire lever its two axes. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0822?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0822 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0822 fail an emissions test?
P0822 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 P0822 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0822 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.