AutoCodes – Nissan – P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 7,128

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
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan - Park/Neutral Switch - AutoCodes.com — P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Park/Neutral Switch

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Misadjusted Park/Neutral Switch
Faulty Park/Neutral Switch
Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted
Park/Neutral Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Combination meter
TCM (CVT models)

How to Fix the DTC P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

For the CVT transmission the Park/Neutral Switch is located inside the shifter assembly, for the manual transmission it is located on the transmission (see picture)

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0850 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0850 mean on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

P0850 indicates a problem with the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch input circuit, which monitors the transmission's position to ensure the vehicle starts only in Park or Neutral.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0850 in a 2012 Nissan Altima?

Symptoms may include the engine not starting, the transmission not shifting properly, the check engine light turning on, or intermittent starting issues.

3. What causes the P0850 code to appear in a Nissan Altima?

Common causes include a faulty Park/Neutral Position Switch, damaged or corroded wiring, a misaligned switch, or issues with the vehicleâ€™s transmission control module (TCM).

4. Can I drive my 2012 Nissan Altima with a P0850 code?

While it might still be drivable, the P0850 code can lead to starting issues or transmission malfunctions. Itâ€™s best to address the issue promptly to avoid being stranded.

5. How do I diagnose the P0850 code on my Nissan Altima?

Start by using an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, then inspect the Park/Neutral Position Switch, associated wiring, and connectors for damage or corrosion.

6. How do I fix a P0850 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima?

Repairs may involve replacing the Park/Neutral Position Switch, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or reprogramming the TCM if needed.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P0850 code on a Nissan Altima?

The cost can vary; replacing the Park/Neutral Position Switch typically costs between $100 and $300, including parts and labor.

8. Can a dead battery cause the P0850 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima?

A dead or weak battery is unlikely to directly cause P0850, but electrical issues from low voltage could potentially impact the PNP switch circuit.

9. Will clearing the P0850 code solve the issue permanently?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying problem may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but the issue is likely to return.

10. Is the P0850 code related to the transmission in my 2012 Nissan Altima?

Yes, the P0850 code is directly related to the transmission system, as it involves the Park/Neutral Position Switch, which monitors the gear position.