P0950 code meaning
Auto Shift Manual Control Circuit
What P0950 means
General electrical fault in the circuit that carries the driver's manual up and down requests to the transmission control, as used by tip-shift gates on automatics and by automated manual gearboxes. A Chrysler patent shows the classic design: a transverse gate beside the drive positions with a proximity switch that signals upshift on one side and downshift on the other. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly. The module typically checks the switch signals for states that cannot occur. P0951 to P0954 are the range, low, high and intermittent faults, P0955 onward the mode select circuit. Usually manual shifting is disabled while normal automatic driving remains available; MIL use varies.
P0950 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0950
- Manual or tip shifting does not respond
- Gear display or warning message
- Automatic mode still works normally
Common causes of P0950
- Most likelyFailed up/down switch or sensor in the selector lever or paddles
- PossibleDamaged wiring or corroded connector at the shifter (e.g. after spilled liquid)
- Less likelyClockspring or steering column wiring fault on paddle-shift vehicles
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Auto shift manual switchWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0950 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. |
| 50 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0950 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 P0950
What does P0950 mean?
P0950 means "Auto Shift Manual Control Circuit". General electrical fault in the circuit that carries the driver's manual up and down requests to the transmission control, as used by tip-shift gates on automatics and by automated manual gearboxes. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0950?
P0950 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0950 fail an emissions test?
P0950 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0950 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0950 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.