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P0821 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Gear Lever X Position Circuit". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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In automatic transmission vehicles, a P0821 code means that the PCM has detected a defect in the transmission shift mechanism range circuit, for a given gear lever position. The transmission range sensor supplies the PCM with data that is used to govern engine RPMs, fuel metering, engine timing and other functions.
The PCM is receiving input that is out of normal parameters from transmission shift solenoids, the torque converter lockup solenoid, vehicle speed sensors or other sensors. The PCM interprets this as an incorrect transmission shifter range, which results in a trouble code being stored and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated. The transmission may also go into limp-in mode.
More often than not, the P0821 code is due to an out-of-adjustment transmission range sensor or failed transmission range sensor.
Other than an illuminated MIL, symptoms might include poor fuel economy, a stored code, harsh shifts or failure to shift out of a given gear.
A code reader/scanner and digital volt/ohmmeter will be needed in diagnosing this code. On most vehicles (especially Ford models), the transmission range sensor is of the variable resistance design. The switch can be found over the transmission shift shaft, where the shift lever slides on over it. When the shift lever is moved (along with the shifter cable on some models), the pivot of the range sensor moves to different contacts.
The switch contacts send differing levels of resistance to the PCM, according to the position of the shift lever. The PCM then interprets these varying levels of voltage as the gear selected by the shifter and uses this information to determine shift points, fuel metering, engine ignition timing and other functions. The PCM uses transmission , engine and ABS inputs to determine whether the transmission is in the correct gear for driving conditions, and the PCM then reacts on this information.
Inspect system wiring, connectors and components, and repair/replace any open, shorted , damaged or corroded items found, then retest the system. If all wiring, connectors and components seem to be in good working order, connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector. Record any stored trouble codes and freeze frame data; this information will be useful in diagnosing any intermittent conditions that may have resulted in this particular trouble code.
Clear codes and test drive vehicle to see if the code returns. If not, there may be an intermittent condition which may need to be allowed to worsen and return in order to make a correct diagnosis.
Should the code return right away, check the transmission range sensor for battery voltage/ground signals.
If either ground or battery voltage circuits are open, disconnect any related control modules and use the digital volt/ohmmeter to check for continuity and resistance in both circuits.
Repair/replace any system circuits/connectors found defective, and retest the system. Obtain a manufacturer’s wiring schematic and test all related circuits and the sensor itself for resistance and continuity. Compare to manufacturer’s specs.
Repair/replace any circuits, connectors and/or components that do not comply with manufacturer’s specs.
Retest the system. If all circuits comply with manufacturer’s factory specs, suspect a failed PCM but remember that PCM failure is rare and would require a complete reprogramming.
Often, technicians replace the transmission range sensor when a simple adjustment may have been all that was necessary.
The P0821 code can result in a transmission that won’t shift out of a given gear, and can end up with the transmission in limp-in mode, meaning a vehicle that’s barely drivable at all.
If any transmission work was recently performed, check the range sensor for proper adjustment first. To ensure proper torque longevity, always use thread locking compound when installing sensor retaining bolts. Technicians should also be in the lookout for any excessive corrosion around the sensor connector, as this can often cause the code to be stored in the PCM.
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