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P0828 code meaning

Up and Down Shift Switch Circuit High

Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes

What P0828 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. P0828 means the shared circuit voltage is too high – a short to positive, or on ground-switching switches with a pull-up also an open. No manufacturer document available to us uses it: Saab's 9-3 Sentronic reports this state as P0826 (above 6.7 V for more than 30 s), Saab's 9-4X as P0815 or P0816, and GM as P0826. Manual shifting would be disabled while automatic operation stays normal.

P0828 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 P0828

  • Tap or manual shifting not working
  • Transmission warning in the cluster
  • No effect on driving in automatic mode

Common causes of P0828

  • Most likelySignal wire shorted to positive
  • PossibleSignal wire or selector ground open (pulled-up input)
  • PossibleSelector assembly faulty
  • Less likelyControl module

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 P0828 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
8Area: transmission.
28The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P0828 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 P0828

What does P0828 mean?

P0828 means "Up and Down Shift Switch Circuit High". 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 P0828?

P0828 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.

Will P0828 fail an emissions test?

P0828 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 P0828 to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P0828 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 13 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P0828