P08D6 code meaning
Shift Solenoid K Performance/Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P08D6 means
Indicates that shift solenoid K was commanded on but the gear or clutch behind it never engaged, as if the valve stayed in its off position. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. A documented model is GM's P0751 for solenoid A on the 6-speed units: with first gear commanded, the TCM counts a fault when slip reaches 400 rpm and the measured ratio sits in a fixed window that points to the wrong gear, and it needs two trips to light the MIL. Ford infers a solenoid failed off from the obtained gear or shift pattern over three solenoid events. CARB requires this functional check. The reverse fault is P08D7. Typical signs are engine flare during shifts and a skipped gear.
P08D6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P08D6
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Engine flare or slipping during shifts
- A gear is skipped or missing
Common causes of P08D6
- Most likelyValve or shift spool held in rest position by debris or varnish
- PossibleLow fluid level or weak line pressure
- PossibleLeaking seal or worn clutch pack in the circuit fed by the valve
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift solenoid kValve body
What each part of P08D6 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. |
| D6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P08D6 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 P08D6
What does P08D6 mean?
P08D6 means "Shift Solenoid K Performance/Stuck Off". Indicates that shift solenoid K was commanded on but the gear or clutch behind it never engaged, as if the valve stayed in its off position. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P08D6?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P08D6 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P08D6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P08D6 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 P08D6 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P08D6 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.