P0898 code meaning
Transmission Control System MIL Request Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P0898 means
The MIL request circuit is a dedicated wire over which the gearbox module asks the engine module to switch on the MIL. Today that request travels over CAN and shows as P0700 in the engine module; older Subarus, also sold as Saab 9-2X, used a single serial wire with its own codes P0864 to P0866. P0898 means the request wire stays at ground: a short to ground or, with active-high logic, a gearbox module without power. The engine module can then not tell a real request from a wiring fault. No maker documents the code; Subaru's P0865 is the closest documented equivalent.
P0898 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0898
- MIL on
- Gearbox faults may not be indicated correctly
Common causes of P0898
- Most likelyMIL request wire shorted to ground
- PossibleEngine or gearbox module connector corroded
- Less likelyGearbox module output faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Transmission control moduleEngine control moduleModule wiring
What each part of P0898 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. |
| 98 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0898 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 P0898
What does P0898 mean?
P0898 means "Transmission Control System MIL Request Circuit Low". The MIL request circuit is a dedicated wire over which the gearbox module asks the engine module to switch on the MIL. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0898?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0898 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0898 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0898 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0898 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.