AutoCodes – Mercedes-Benz – P0803 Mercedes-Benz

P0803 Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz 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 6,783

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
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0803 Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz - 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0803 Mercedes-Benz Code - 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0803 Mercedes-Benz?

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 Mercedes-Benz?

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 Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0803 Mercedes-Benz code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 P0803 Mercedes-Benz Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0803 in a Mercedes-Benz related to the 1-4 Upshift Skip Shift Solenoid Control Circuit Malfunction?

- Common symptoms include harsh shifting between gears, the transmission staying in a lower gear longer than necessary, and the transmission not shifting up smoothly.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0803 in a Mercedes-Benz?

- The code P0803 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty upshift skip shift solenoid, damaged wiring or connectors in the solenoid circuit, low transmission fluid level, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.

3. How can I diagnose the root cause of OBDII code P0803 in my Mercedes-Benz?

- To diagnose the cause of the code P0803, you can perform a thorough inspection of the upshift skip shift solenoid, check the wiring and connectors for any damage, ensure the transmission fluid level is correct, and use a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve specific error codes.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Mercedes-Benz with OBDII code P0803 present?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with the code P0803 unresolved, as it can lead to further damage to the transmission components and result in unsafe driving conditions. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. Can I repair OBDII code P0803 in my Mercedes-Benz on my own?

- Depending on your level of experience and access to tools, you may be able to address the code P0803 by replacing the upshift skip shift solenoid, repairing damaged wiring, or topping up the transmission fluid. However, complex transmission issues may require professional assistance.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0803 in a Mercedes-Benz?

- The cost of repairing OBDII code P0803 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, labor rates in your area, and whether you choose to address the problem yourself or take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. Costs may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0803 in my Mercedes-Benz make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code P0803 may temporarily clear the error code, but if the underlying issue causing the malfunction is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear. It's crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause to prevent ongoing issues.

8. Are there any preventive maintenance tips to avoid OBDII code P0803 in my Mercedes-Benz?

- To help prevent OBDII code P0803, it's essential to maintain regular transmission fluid checks and changes, address any transmission-related symptoms promptly, and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for your vehicle. Regular maintenance can help prevent potential issues.