P0801 Fault Code

Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction

• What does that mean?
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Solutions

The P0801 fault code indicates a malfunction in the reverse inhibit control circuit, which is responsible for preventing the vehicle from engaging reverse gear when certain conditions aren't met. This system is crucial for ensuring driver safety and proper vehicle operation.

What are the symptoms of the P0801 code?

Symptoms associated with a P0801 code may include:

• Inability to engage reverse gear
• Transmission slipping or erratic shifting behavior
• Warning lights illuminating on the dashboard, particularly the check engine light
• Unusual noises from the transmission when attempting to shift into reverse
• Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored in the computer system related to reverse gear operation

What causes the P0801 code?

Several factors can lead to the P0801 code being triggered, such as:

• Faulty reverse inhibit switch
• Damaged wiring or connectors in the control circuit
• Defective transmission control module (TCM)
• Issues with the vehicle's ECM (Engine Control Module)
• Malfunctions in the transmission itself
• Poor connections that cause intermittent signals

How to fix P0801?

To resolve the P0801 code, the following steps might be taken:

• Inspect and test the reverse inhibit switch for functionality
• Examine the wiring and connectors associated with the circuit for damage or corrosion
• Diagnose the TCM for faults and check for software updates
• Clear any stored codes and test-drive to see if the issue reoccurs
• If necessary, replace components that are found to be defective.