AutoCodes – Generic – P1837

P1837 Code - Kick-Down Switch Failed Short

Quick Answer

P1837 indicates Kick-Down Switch Failed Short. Common causes include Faulty Kick-Down Switch, Kick-Down Switch harness is open or shorted, Kick-Down Switch 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: P1837 indicates Kick-Down Switch Failed Short.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Kick-Down Switch, Kick-Down Switch harness is open or shorted, Kick-Down Switch 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 12,294

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 Sep 22, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1837 Description

OBDII Code P1837 - Kick-Down Switch Failed Short - AutoCodes.com — P1837 Code - Kick-Down Switch Failed Short

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1837?

Faulty Kick-Down Switch
Kick-Down Switch harness is open or shorted
Kick-Down Switch circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1837?

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 P1837 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 P1837 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1837 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1837 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1837 Buick — Kick-Down Switch Failed Short
P1837 Cadillac — Kick-Down Switch Failed Short
P1837 Chevrolet — Kick-Down Switch Failed Short
P1837 GMC — Kick-Down Switch Failed Short
P1837 KIA — Vehicle Variant Can Not Be Detected
P1837 Pontiac — Kick-Down Switch Failed Short
P1837 Saturn — Kick-Down Switch Failed Short

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 P1837 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1837 (Kick-Down Switch Failed Short)?

- Common symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, transmission slipping, and the inability to downshift when accelerating.

2. What does it mean when the Kick-Down Switch fails short in relation to code P1837?

- A failed short in the Kick-Down Switch circuit means there is an electrical issue causing the switch to not function properly.

3. What are the possible causes of the Kick-Down Switch failing short and triggering code P1837?

- Causes may include a faulty kick-down switch, damaged wiring harness, loose connections, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.

4. How serious is OBDII code P1837 (Kick-Down Switch Failed Short) for my vehicle?

- This code can lead to erratic transmission behavior and potential safety issues, so it is best to address it promptly to avoid further damage.

5. Can I continue to drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1837 present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can cause transmission issues and affect driving performance.

6. How can I diagnose the Kick-Down Switch issue causing OBDII code P1837?

- Diagnosing this issue typically involves checking the kick-down switch, inspecting the wiring for damage, and using a scan tool to monitor the switch's functionality.

7. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P1837 related to the Kick-Down Switch?

- Repair tips may include replacing the faulty kick-down switch, repairing damaged wiring, ensuring all connections are secure, and resetting the trouble code.

8. Can I reset OBDII code P1837 (Kick-Down Switch Failed Short) by disconnecting the battery?

- While disconnecting the battery may clear the code temporarily, it is important to diagnose and address the underlying issue to prevent the code from reoccurring.

9. Is it possible to bypass the Kick-Down Switch to resolve OBDII code P1837?

- Bypassing the kick-down switch is not recommended, as it can lead to further transmission problems and may not address the root cause of the issue.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1837 related to a failed Kick-Down Switch?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific issue but may involve parts replacement, wiring repairs, or reprogramming of the transmission control module, ranging from $100 to $500 or more.