P0827 code meaning
Up and Down Shift Switch Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P0827 means
Many selectors read tap-up and tap-down over one shared wire with voltage steps or a resistor network; P0826–P0828 cover this shared circuit, P0815/P0816 the single directions. P0827 means the shared circuit voltage is too low – a short to ground, depending on the design an open on a pulled-up input, or a switch held closed. The only documented user is Ram's 2025 heavy-duty truck with the 6.7 Cummins and eight-speed TorqueFlite HD: a 2026 bulletin lists P0827 with P0826 and P085F and the MIL; the display shows N although P is engaged, the engine cannot be switched off and limp mode is possible. The fix was new transmission software. Saab reports the same state under P0826 (below 0.2 V for 30 s), GM under P0826.
P0827 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- 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 P0827
- Tap or manual shifting not working
- MIL (Ram)
- N shown although in P, engine cannot be switched off (Ram)
Common causes of P0827
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleTap switch held closed or selector assembly faulty
- PossibleTransmission software (Ram 2025)
- Less likelyControl module faulty
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 P0827 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. |
| 27 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0827 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 P0827
What does P0827 mean?
P0827 means "Up and Down Shift Switch Circuit Low". Many selectors read tap-up and tap-down over one shared wire with voltage steps or a resistor network; P0826–P0828 cover this shared circuit, P0815/P0816 the single directions. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0827?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0827 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0827 fail an emissions test?
P0827 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 P0827 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0827 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.