Fault code P0914 is called “Gear Shift Position Circuit Malfunction” 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 P0914
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic transmission code. Error P0914 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.
Manual transmissions have a sensor on the shift lever that tells the PCM which gear the box is currently in. If the shift lever position sensor sends an invalid signal to the PCM, this code is stored.
The shift lever position sensor is usually built into the shift lever assembly.
Fault code P0914 is set when the PCM detects that the selected gear does not correspond to the gear the transmission is actually in. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on the instrument cluster may then illuminate.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0914 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- The “Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be stored as a fault).
- The transmission does not shift properly.
- The gears do not engage or shift.
- There may be no symptoms other than a stored fault code.
A stored fault code P0914 is considered serious, as it can cause driving and safety problems in the vehicle. 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 P0914 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- The shift position sensor is defective.
- Short-circuited or damaged wiring harness.
- Faulty connection connector.
- Faulty shift lever.
- Faulty shift actuator assembly.
- Sometimes the cause is a defective PCM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0914
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0914:
- Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scanner.
- Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
- Test-drive the vehicle to see if error P0914 appears again.
- Visually inspect the appropriate wires and connectors for damage.
- Check the shift position sensor as well as the lever.
- If necessary, replace the defective parts.
- Test the PCM control module.
Diagnose and repair of problems
The first thing to do when diagnosing code P0914 is to check the electrical part for damage. In today’s 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 no malfunctions are detected, the shift position sensor should be checked. In addition to the sensor, pay attention to the serviceability of the shift lever and the actuator assembly itself.
The transmission control module (TCM) fails very rarely, so when diagnosing error P0914, it should be checked if all other checks have been done.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0914 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chery (IndiS, Tiggo)
- Isuzu
- Skoda
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- LADA (Granta, Vesta)
Fault code P0914 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0915, P0916, P0917, P0918, P0919.
