OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0803 Upshift/Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
General electrical fault on the upshift/skip-shift solenoid control circuit — used on manual-transmission performance vehicles to force a skip from 1st straight to 4th under low-load cruise (CAFE fuel-economy feature). With the input invalid the lockout cannot be applied.
Is it safe to drive with P0803?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyOpen or shorted control wire
Symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.4–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Skip Shift Solenoid, Wiring Harness
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.