P0916 Gear Shift Position Circuit Low

P0916 indicates the gear shift position circuit is low. The position signal is below expected range or pulled toward ground.

Code details

Generic OBD-II · P0

System: Transmission
Code type: Generic (SAE / ISO controlled)
Standard: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6

Diagnostic boundary

A diagnostic trouble code reports that a monitored test failed. It does not prove one specific part is bad, and manufacturer logic can add vehicle-specific conditions.

Do not perform mechanical adjustments until the low gear position signal is electrically stable.

Symptoms of P0916

Harsh, delayed, or slipping shifts, or being stuck in one gear.
Check-engine light, sometimes with limp-home mode.
Flaring RPM or a shudder under load.

Common causes of P0916

Low or degraded transmission fluid.
A failing speed sensor, shift solenoid, or pressure-control circuit.
Wiring, connector, or internal hydraulic/mechanical faults.

Useful checks before replacing parts

Measure gear position signal voltage, reference voltage, ground, and continuity while moving or commanding the shift mechanism.
Inspect connector tension, sensor wiring, short-to-ground faults, linkage movement, shared reference circuits, and module input condition.
Compare low signal events with failed gear selection, adaptation errors, and any related gate or actuator codes.

Related OBD-II codes

These nearby transmission entries can help compare wording and pin down the fault area.