P0919 code meaning
Gear Shift Position Control Error
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0919 means
Set when the control module of an automated manual gearbox drives the shift actuator towards a gear, but the measured shift position does not reach the target within the allowed time and tolerance. Sensor and actuator circuits can be electrically intact; the fault concerns the closed loop as a whole. Usual reasons are a stiff or jammed shift rail or synchroniser, a weak actuator, low hydraulic pressure on hydraulic units, or a sensor offset. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. A Hyundai/Kia patent detects jammed shift actuators from motor current, and an Isuzu patent controls the shift motor by stroke ranges using a shift stroke sensor. CARB requires functional checks on such outputs. P0909 is the same error in the select direction, P0920 to P0927 the actuator circuits. Gears may not engage.
P0919 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0919
- Transmission warning light on
- Gear does not engage or engages only after a delay
- Gearbox remains in neutral or locks in one gear
Common causes of P0919
- Most likelyStiff or jammed shift rail, shift fork or synchroniser
- PossibleWorn shift motor or leaking shift cylinder that no longer delivers full force
- PossibleLow pressure in the hydraulic supply on hydraulically actuated units
- Less likelyShift positions not relearned after actuator or module replacement
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Gear shift actuatorGear shift position sensor aTCM
What each part of P0919 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. |
| 19 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0919 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 P0919
What does P0919 mean?
P0919 means "Gear Shift Position Control Error". Set when the control module of an automated manual gearbox drives the shift actuator towards a gear, but the measured shift position does not reach the target within the allowed time and tolerance. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0919?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0919 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0919 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0919 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 P0919 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0919 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.