P08DC code meaning
Shift Solenoid K Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P08DC means
The monitored control line of shift solenoid K sits closer to supply voltage than it should, for instance because it touches a powered wire or, depending on the driver design, because the coil is open. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM treats the solenoid A version, P0974, as open or power short and fails it after 1.2 of 1.5 seconds, but lights the MIL only after two trips. Ford's P0974 means a short to power only, because Ford reports opens separately. CARB requires this circuit check. P08DB is the low counterpart, P08DD the open-circuit code. A valve shorted to power may stay energised, giving a wrong gear or harsh engagements.
P08DC at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P08DC
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Wrong gear or harsh engagement
- Possible limp mode
Common causes of P08DC
- Most likelyControl wire touching a powered conductor
- PossibleOpen coil on systems that read opens as high
- Less likelyTCM low-side driver no longer pulls the line down
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift solenoid kWiring harness
What each part of P08DC 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. |
| DC | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P08DC 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 P08DC
What does P08DC mean?
P08DC means "Shift Solenoid K Control Circuit High". The monitored control line of shift solenoid K sits closer to supply voltage than it should, for instance because it touches a powered wire or, depending on the driver design, because the coil is open. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P08DC?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P08DC the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P08DC fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P08DC 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 P08DC to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P08DC clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.