P0908 code meaning
Gate Select Position Circuit A Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0908 means
Points to a gate select position signal on circuit A that drops out or jumps for short moments in an automated manual gearbox, too briefly or too irregularly for a steady low or high fault. Loose terminals, a damaged harness that moves with the engine, or moisture in the connector at the shift and select actuator are the usual reasons. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. An Aisin AI patent explains why even short sensor dropouts matter: if a stroke sensor fails while driving, the controller can no longer confirm the engaged gear and must switch to a fallback strategy. CARB requires circuit and rationality checks on such inputs. P0904 to P0907 are the steady faults of the same circuit. Drivers often notice occasional neutral drops or refused shifts that vanish again.
P0908 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0908
- Warning light that comes and goes
- Occasional drop to neutral or refused shift
- Fault often disappears after restarting the engine
Common causes of P0908
- Most likelyLoose or spread terminals at the sensor or actuator connector
- PossibleHarness damage that only opens or shorts under engine movement
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the connector near the gearbox
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Gate select position sensor aWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0908 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 9 | Area: transmission. |
| 08 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0908 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 P0908
What does P0908 mean?
P0908 means "Gate Select Position Circuit A Intermittent". Points to a gate select position signal on circuit A that drops out or jumps for short moments in an automated manual gearbox, too briefly or too irregularly for a steady low or high fault. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0908?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0908 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0908 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0908 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 P0908 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0908 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.