AutoCodes – Generic – P2838

P2838 Code - Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit Low

Quick Answer

There are two electric motors used to shift the gears in the transmission, on for gears 1-3-5 and one for gears R-2-4-6. Common causes include Outdated Transmission Control Module (TCM) program (Reprogram TCM), Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM), Faulty Transmission Assembly. 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: P2838 indicates Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Outdated Transmission Control Module (TCM) program (Reprogram TCM), Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM), Faulty Transmission Assembly.
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 6,171

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 Feb 16, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
Add Comment

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

Code P2838 Description

There are two electric motors used to shift the gears in the transmission, on for gears 1-3-5 and one for gears R-2-4-6. The gear shifting is made by two shift drums connected to shift motor pinion via two ideal gears. The maximum shift force is 1500N (337 lb). The motors are integrated in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and work independently of each other.

OBDII Code P2838 - Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P2838 Code - Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2838?

Outdated Transmission Control Module (TCM) program (Reprogram TCM)
Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)
Faulty Transmission Assembly

How to Fix the DTC P2838?

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 P2838 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 P2838 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2838 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2838 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P2838 Ford — Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit Low
P2838 Nissan — Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit Low

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.