AutoCodes – Generic – P0801

P0801 Code - Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

An ignition voltage is supplied to the Reverse Inhibit solenoid. Common causes include Faulty Reverse Inhibit Solenoid, Reverse Inhibit Solenoid harness is open or shorted, Reverse Inhibit Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0801 indicates Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Reverse Inhibit Solenoid, Reverse Inhibit Solenoid harness is open or shorted, Reverse Inhibit Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 20,381

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 08, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0801 Description

An ignition voltage is supplied to the Reverse Inhibit solenoid. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the solenoid by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The driver supplies the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which the PCM monitors. When the PCM commands a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be low (near 0 volts). When the PCM commands the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be high (near battery voltage). If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status changes causing the P0801 code to set.

OBDII Code P0801 - Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0801 Code - Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0801?

Faulty Reverse Inhibit Solenoid
Reverse Inhibit Solenoid harness is open or shorted
Reverse Inhibit Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0801?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0801 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0801 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0801 Buick — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Cadillac — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Chevrolet — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Chrysler — Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction
P0801 GMC — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Hummer — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Mercedes-Benz — Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction
P0801 Pontiac — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Saturn — Reverse Inhibit Solenoid Control Circuit
P0801 Subaru — Reverse Inhibit Control Circuit Malfunction

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.