P0916 code meaning
Gear Shift Position Circuit A Low
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0916 means
Set when the gear shift position signal on circuit A of an automated manual gearbox stays below its lowest valid value for longer than a calibrated time. A short to ground on the signal line, a lost sensor supply or an internal sensor defect are the usual causes; depending on the sensor design a broken signal wire reads low as well. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. In the patents of Aisin AI and Nissan/Aichi the shift stroke or shift position sensor is the only feedback telling the controller whether a gear is engaged, so a missing signal stops automatic shifting. CARB requires out-of-range checks on such inputs. P0917 is the matching high fault, P091C and P095C are the low faults of circuits B and C. The gearbox typically locks gear changes or drops to neutral.
P0916 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0916
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- No gear changes possible or gearbox stays in neutral
- Engine may not start because neutral cannot be confirmed
Common causes of P0916
- Most likelySignal wire chafed through and shorted to ground
- PossibleSensor reference supply interrupted or shorted
- PossibleInternal defect of the shift position sensor
- Less likelyFaulty input stage in the transmission control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Gear shift position sensor aWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0916 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. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0916 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 P0916
What does P0916 mean?
P0916 means "Gear Shift Position Circuit A Low". Set when the gear shift position signal on circuit A of an automated manual gearbox stays below its lowest valid value for longer than a calibrated time. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0916?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0916 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0916 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0916 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 P0916 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0916 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.