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P0957 code meaning

Auto Shift Manual Mode Circuit Low

Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light

What P0957 means

Voltage in the manual mode circuit, the signal that reports the selector lever in the manual gate, is below the expected range. Mostly the signal line has a short to ground or the switch contact hangs in its grounded position. A Nissan patent describes a manual mode switch whose moving contact is grounded and explains how the control unit spots a contact shorted to earth from its two inputs. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; Hyundai's mode circuit fault appears in Genesis bulletins only as the general code. CARB requires circuit checks on such inputs. P0958 is the high counterpart, P0955 the general and P0956 the plausibility fault. Expect manual mode to be unavailable or stuck on.

P0957 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • 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 P0957

  • Manual mode not available or permanently indicated
  • Warning lamp depending on manufacturer
  • Automatic driving in D unaffected

Common causes of P0957

  • Most likelyMode signal wire chafed and shorted to ground
  • PossibleMode switch stuck in the grounded position
  • PossibleLiquid or dirt in the selector lever housing

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 P0957 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
9Area: transmission.
57The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P0957 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 P0957

What does P0957 mean?

P0957 means "Auto Shift Manual Mode Circuit Low". Voltage in the manual mode circuit, the signal that reports the selector lever in the manual gate, is below the expected range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P0957?

Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.

Will P0957 fail an emissions test?

P0957 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 P0957 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 P0957 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 14 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P0957