AutoCodes – Generic – P0803

P0803 Code - 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

An ignition voltage is supplied to the Skip Shift solenoid coil. Common causes include Faulty Skip Shift Solenoid, Skip Shift Solenoid harness is open or shorted, Skip Shift 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: P0803 indicates 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Skip Shift Solenoid, Skip Shift Solenoid harness is open or shorted, Skip Shift 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 17,003

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 P0803 Description

An ignition voltage is supplied to the Skip Shift solenoid coil. 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).

OBDII Code P0803 - 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0803 Code - 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0803?

Faulty Skip Shift Solenoid
Skip Shift Solenoid harness is open or shorted
Skip Shift Solenoid circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0803?

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 P0803 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 P0803 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0803 Buick — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
P0803 Cadillac — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
P0803 Chevrolet — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
P0803 GMC — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
P0803 Hummer — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
P0803 Mercedes-Benz — 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction
P0803 Pontiac — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit
P0803 Saturn — Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit

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.