Fault code P080A is called “Clutch Position Not Learned” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P080A
If your OBD-II equipped vehicle has stored code P080A. This means that the transmission control module (PCM) has detected that the clutch position is not detected. This code applies only to vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
The PCM controls certain manual transmission functions. Shifter position and clutch pedal position are among these functions. In some models, turbo input and output speeds are also monitored to determine the degree of clutch slippage.
The clutch is the mechanical clutch that connects the engine to the transmission. When the clutch master cylinder is depressed, hydraulic fluid is pushed into the slave cylinder. The slave cylinder actuates the clutch pressure plate. Allowing you to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission as needed.
The main function of the clutch switch is to act as a safety feature to prevent the engine from starting when the transmission is inadvertently engaged. The PCM and other controllers also use input from the clutch switch for various engine control calculations. These include automatic braking functions, as well as for implementing hill hold.
Diagnostic code DTC P080A is set when the PCM or TCM detects that the clutch position is undefined. The engine warning lamp or transmission warning lamp will also illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P080A has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a malfunction).
- Poor engine starting.
- In some cases, the engine may not start even if the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
- In rare cases there may be no symptoms at all.
Stored code P080A can cause various vehicle control, safety and traction functions to fail. For this reason, this error should be considered serious.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P080A can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Faulty clutch position sensor.
- Improperly adjusted clutch switch.
- Short-circuited, broken wiring or connectors in clutch position sensor circuit.
- Poor electrical connection in circuit.
- Fuse or fusible link blown.
- Faulty PCM or other control module, also possible programming error.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P080A
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P080A:
- Inspect the wiring for damage, abrasions, breaks, and shorts. If wiring is damaged, repair or replace it.
- Clear any diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM, and perform a test drive to see if diagnostic trouble code P080A returns.
- Check the clutch position sensor, replace if necessary.
- Check the fuse or fusible link.
- If all is correct, the PCM may need to be replaced and reprogrammed.
Diagnose and repair of problems
To rule out all variants of error P080A, visually inspect the wiring to the clutch position sensor. Check all system fuses and replace blown ones if necessary. Also check the battery under load, cable connections, and alternator power.
Locate the diagnostic connector, plug in the scanner and get all the stored codes and data. Write this information down, as it may help you in further diagnosis. Delete the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the P080A code appears again after resetting.
Check the voltage
Check the voltage on the clutch position sensor input circuit. If there is voltage in the input circuit, depress the clutch pedal and check the voltage in the output circuit. If there is no voltage on the output circuit, the sensor may be defective.
When voltage is present on both sides of the sensor and the pedal is depressed, check the input circuit on the PCM. If the input signal to the PCM is present, there may be a faulty PCM or programming error.
If no clutch position sensor input signal is present at the PCM connector, disconnect all associated controllers. Use a multimeter to check the resistance for all circuits in the system. If necessary, repair or replace closed or open circuits.
It is a good idea to check the system’s fuses with the clutch pedal depressed when the P080A error occurs. Fuses that may seem normal when first tested may fail when the circuit is under load.
Often a worn clutch hinge arm or clutch pedal bushing can be misdiagnosed as a faulty clutch position sensor.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P080A can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chevrolet (Cruze)
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ford
- Hino
- Jeep
- Land Rover (Range Rover)
- Lifan
- Mercedes-Benz
- Rover
- Smart
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- LADA (Granta, Kalina, Vesta)
Fault code P080A can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0805, P0806, P0807, P0808, P0809.
