P08A2 code meaning
Gear Lever Y Position Sensor 2 Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P08A2 means
Y sensor 2 is the backup Hall sensor of an electronic selector lever and reports the lever's Y-axis travel as a PWM duty cycle. GM uses P08A2 in its electronic range selection and sets it when the duty cycle of Y sensor 2 rises above 88 % (2019 ECM and ICCM tables) or above 95 % (Cadillac XT4 2019, ECM tables 2023–2025); 3 failures in 4 samples at 25 ms, in later calibrations 10 of 12. A signal line shorted to voltage, an open ground or an internal sensor fault are the usual reasons. Type B, MIL after two trips. Range/performance and low are P08A0 and P08A1; sensor 1 of the same axis reports via P082D to P082F. With one sensor still valid, the lever stays usable.
P08A2 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 P08A2
- Check engine light after two drives
- Shifter warning message in the cluster
- Range selection normally still works via sensor 1
Common causes of P08A2
- Most likelySensor 2 signal wire shorted to supply voltage
- PossibleSensor ground open or high resistance
- PossibleInternal fault of sensor 2 in the selector assembly
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Gear lever y position sensor 2Wiring harnessTCM
What each part of P08A2 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. |
| A2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P08A2 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 P08A2
What does P08A2 mean?
P08A2 means "Gear Lever Y Position Sensor 2 Circuit High". Y sensor 2 is the backup Hall sensor of an electronic selector lever and reports the lever's Y-axis travel as a PWM duty cycle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P08A2?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P08A2 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P08A2 fail an emissions test?
P08A2 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 P08A2 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P08A2 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.