P0831 code meaning
Clutch Pedal Switch A Circuit Low
What P0831 means
Clutch pedal switches A and B are digital inputs of manual gearboxes: they release the starter only with the pedal pressed, switch off cruise control and tell start-stop whether the clutch is open. Which switch is A or B is up to each manufacturer – FCA calls the pedal-up switch A. Ford's 2020–23 summary checks a dual switch over more than 40 pedal applications and reports a stuck switch without MIL (P0830 stuck high, P0833 stuck low, comparison P0704). P0831 means switch A stays at ground or 0 V where a high level is expected – a short to ground, or an open supply on a positive-switching circuit. GM's 2006 Corvette and CTS-V with the LS2 and LS7 check it on manual gearboxes only, type C without MIL (400 of 500 samples of 100 ms; the table layout makes the sample count uncertain).
P0831 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0831
- Cruise control switches off or cannot be activated
- Start-stop disabled
- Engine may not crank (starter interlock)
Common causes of P0831
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleSwitch supply (fuse) open
- PossibleSwitch faulty internally
- Less likelyConnector corroded
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch pedal switchSwitch wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0831 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. |
| 31 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0831 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 P0831
What does P0831 mean?
P0831 means "Clutch Pedal Switch A Circuit Low". Clutch pedal switches A and B are digital inputs of manual gearboxes: they release the starter only with the pedal pressed, switch off cruise control and tell start-stop whether the clutch is open. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0831?
P0831 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0831 fail an emissions test?
P0831 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 P0831 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0831 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.