P0917 code meaning
Gear Shift Position Circuit A High
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0917 means
Set when the gear shift position signal on circuit A of an automated manual gearbox stays above its highest valid value for longer than a calibrated time. The signal line may be shorted to the sensor supply or to battery voltage, the sensor ground may be open, or the sensor itself may be faulty. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The Aisin AI and Nissan/Aichi patents show the shift stroke or shift position sensor as the feedback that confirms an engaged gear; with a reading above the valid band the controller can no longer tell neutral from an engaged gear. CARB requires out-of-range checks on such inputs. P0916 is the opposite low fault, P091D and P095D are the high faults of circuits B and C, P0919 a shift movement that misses its target. Shifting is usually locked.
P0917 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 P0917
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Gearbox stays in one gear or in neutral
- Warning message about the transmission on the dashboard
Common causes of P0917
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to sensor supply or battery voltage
- PossibleOpen sensor ground or corroded ground pin
- PossibleInternal fault 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 P0917 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. |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0917 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 P0917
What does P0917 mean?
P0917 means "Gear Shift Position Circuit A High". Set when the gear shift position signal on circuit A of an automated manual gearbox stays above its highest 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 P0917?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0917 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0917 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0917 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 P0917 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0917 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.