P082B code meaning
Gear Lever X Position Sensor 1 Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P082B 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. GM uses P082A–P082F on its electronic range selector (2019 tables, Cadillac XT4, 2025): a Hall sensor delivers a PWM signal, measured as duty cycle. P082B means the duty cycle of X sensor 1 is too low – the signal stays near 0 %, a short to ground or a sensor without supply. GM sets it below 17 % with 3 of 4 samples of 25 ms (2019) or below 5 % with 10 of 12 samples (2025), type B with the MIL after two trips. Sensor 2 then takes over; if both fail, park is selected, as GM's patent describes.
P082B at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P082B
- Check engine lamp after two trips (GM)
- 'Shift to park' message or transmission warning
- Range selection restricted; with both sensors failed the vehicle goes to park
Common causes of P082B
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleSensor supply open
- PossibleSensor in the selector 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
Gear lever position sensorElectronic range selectorSensor wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P082B 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. |
| 2B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P082B 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 P082B
What does P082B mean?
P082B means "Gear Lever X Position Sensor 1 Circuit Low". 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 P082B?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P082B the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P082B fail an emissions test?
P082B 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 P082B to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P082B clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.