AutoCodes – Nissan – P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima

P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima Code - Park/Neutral Switch

Quick Answer

When the shift position is P or N, Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch is turned ON. Common causes include Misadjusted Park/Neutral Switch, Faulty Park/Neutral Switch, Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted. 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: P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima indicates Park/Neutral Switch.
Common causes: Common causes include Misadjusted Park/Neutral Switch, Faulty Park/Neutral Switch, Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted.
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 3,142

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 10, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima Description

When the shift position is P or N, Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch is turned ON. The Engine Control Module (ECM) detects the position because the continuity of the line (the ON signal) exists.
The Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch assembly also indicates a transmission range switch to detect shift lever position.

OBDII Code P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima - Park/Neutral Switch - AutoCodes.com — P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima Code - Park/Neutral Switch

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima?

Misadjusted Park/Neutral Switch
Faulty Park/Neutral Switch
Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted
Park/Neutral Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Unified meter and A/C amp.
TCM

How to Fix the DTC P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima?

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 P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima 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 P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0850 2008 Nissan Maxima Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0850 indicate on a 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- The code P0850 on a 2008 Nissan Maxima indicates a malfunction with the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch, suggesting that the switch is not functioning correctly or the circuit has an issue.

2. What are common symptoms of code P0850 in a 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- Common symptoms include the engine not starting in park or neutral, the vehicle starting in gear, erratic shifting, and the check engine light being illuminated.

3. What causes the OBDII code P0850 to appear on a 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- Possible causes include a faulty park/neutral position switch, damaged or disconnected wiring or connectors in the PNP switch circuit, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.

4. How do I check the Park/Neutral Position Switch if my 2008 Nissan Maxima displays the P0850 code?

- Inspect the switch for physical damage and ensure it's properly seated. Check the wiring and connectors for corrosion, breaks, or disconnections. Testing the switchâ€™s continuity with a multimeter while shifting through gears can also help diagnose the issue.

5. Can I drive my 2008 Nissan Maxima with the P0850 code active?

- While it may be possible to drive, it is not recommended as the vehicle may start in gear or experience erratic shifting, which can be unsafe. It's best to address the issue promptly to avoid potential safety hazards.

6. What repairs can fix the P0850 code on a 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- Repairs might include replacing the park/neutral position switch, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or in some cases, updating or replacing the transmission control module.

7. How urgent is it to address the P0850 code in a 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- It is fairly urgent to address this issue to ensure the safety of vehicle operation, as failure to do so might result in the vehicle starting in an unintended gear.

8. Could the P0850 code affect the fuel economy of my 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- While the P0850 code primarily affects transmission safety and functionality, indirect effects such as erratic transmission behavior could potentially lead to less efficient fuel use.

9. What tools are needed to diagnose the P0850 code on a 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- Tools needed include an OBDII code reader, a digital multimeter for testing electrical connections and continuity, and basic hand tools to access the switch.

10. After repairing the P0850 issue, how do I clear the code on my 2008 Nissan Maxima?

- After the repair, you can clear the code using an OBDII scan tool. Itâ€™s also advisable to drive the vehicle for a few days to ensure that the issue is fully resolved and the code does not reappear.