P0983 code meaning
Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P09xx codes Check engine light
What P0983 means
High-voltage fault in the control circuit of shift solenoid D. Ford defines it narrowly as SSD short to power; the open circuit stays with P0765. On the 6R140 the solenoid outputs are run by a smart driver chip (ADLER) that does the open and short checks itself, while older units use a feedback line from the output stage; both need 0.5 to 5 s. Since SSD on Ford six-speeds controls the low/reverse clutch, either alone or through the multiplex valve, a constant power short can apply that clutch at the wrong time. The 2020–2023 gasoline summary keeps the same assignment. GM documents no P0983 for its geared automatics, and Ferrari uses it for an actuator 3 sensor reading too high. Ground faults are P0982.
P0983 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0983
- MIL on, default gear
- Clunk or tie-up feel if the low/reverse clutch applies unintentionally
- Upper gears blocked
Common causes of P0983
- Most likelySolenoid D control wire shorted to a supply
- PossibleSolenoid D with shorted windings
- PossibleConductive contamination between neighbouring pins
- Less likelyFaulty smart driver or output stage in the module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Shift solenoid dWiring harnessTCM
What each part of P0983 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. |
| 83 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0983 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 P0983
What does P0983 mean?
P0983 means "Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High". High-voltage fault in the control circuit of shift solenoid D. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0983?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0983 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0983 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0983 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 P0983 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0983 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.