Fault code P0905 – gate select position circuit range/performance

Fault code P0905 is called “Gate Select Position Circuit Range/Performance” 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 P0905

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic transmission code. Error P0905 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.

Fault code P0905 – gate select position circuit range/performance

For selecting and shifting gears, the actuator has a travel sensor on the selector mechanism. This determines the position of the selector shaft as well as the gear selector lever.

The selector travel sensor is non-contact and contains a yoke magnet and two Hall effect elements. One is the main and the other is auxiliary to provide accurate signal generation.

The yoke of the magnet rotates and the position of the magnet changes during gear selection and shifting. The Hall sensors convert the change in magnet position into voltage signals which are transmitted to the TCM.

Based on the selector shift sensor signals, the TCM evaluates the operating condition of the selector motor. The control module determines which shift fork rod is selected.

When the control module (TCM) detects an operating range mismatch in the gear shift selector fork rod circuit. Fault code P0905 will be written to memory, and an error message will appear on the control panel.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P0905 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

  1. Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a fault).
  2. No response to accelerator pedal.
  3. Unable to engage any gear.
  4. There may be no symptoms other than a stored fault code.

A stored fault code P0905 is considered serious, as it can cause driving and safety problems. The conditions that contributed to the stored code should be corrected as soon as possible.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P0905 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

  • Problem with selector switch gear position sensor.
  • Poor connection in the selector switch travel sensor circuit.
  • Short circuit or damage to the wiring harness.
  • Discrepancy between main and auxiliary Hall sensor readings.
  • Transmission control module (TCM) may be defective.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0905

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0905:

  1. Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scanner.
  2. Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
  3. Test-drive the vehicle to find out if error P0905 appears again.
  4. Visually inspect the relevant wires and connectors for damage.
  5. Check the shift position selection sensor.
  6. If necessary, replace the defective parts.
  7. Test the transmission control module (TCM).

Diagnose and repair of problems

The first thing to do when diagnosing code P0905 is to check the electrical part for damage. In modern vehicles, electrical and electronic signals require good cabling for proper data transmission.

Any faults, such as breaks, disconnected connectors or corrosion, can interrupt signals, leading to transmission control failures. Next, check the battery, as some PCM and TCM modules are sensitive to low voltage.

If the battery is low, the system may detect this as a failure. Check that the battery is delivering a minimum of 12 volts and that the alternator is operating properly, a minimum of 13 volts at idle.

If there are no malfunctions, you should check the shift position selection sensor. It usually fails due to moisture ingress and oxidation of the contacts.

The transmission control module (TCM) fails very rarely, so when diagnosing error P0905, it must be checked if all other checks have been done.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P0905 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

  • Audi (A4)
  • Citroen
  • Ford
  • Honda
  • Isuzu (D-Max)
  • Nissan
  • Opel
  • Toyota (Auris, Corolla, Yaris)
  • Volkswagen (Phaeton)

Fault code P0905 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0904, P0906, P0907, P0908, P0909.

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