AutoCodesNissan – P0850 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0850 2011 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 2011 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 4,762
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 10, 2019
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Code P0850 2011 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 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan - Park/Neutral Switch - AutoCodes.com
P0850 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Park/Neutral Switch

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0850 2011 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 2011 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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0850 2011 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.

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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 P0850 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What does OBDII code P0850 mean on a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Code P0850 indicates an issue with the Park/Neutral Switch, which monitors the gear position to ensure the vehicle starts only in Park or Neutral.

2. What are the symptoms of a P0850 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Common symptoms include the vehicle not starting, the Check Engine Light turning on, or transmission shifting issues.

3. What causes the P0850 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Typical causes include a faulty Park/Neutral Position Switch, damaged wiring or connectors, or a malfunctioning Transmission Control Module (TCM).

4. Can a P0850 code cause the car to not start?

Yes, a malfunctioning Park/Neutral Switch may prevent the car from starting if the system cannot detect the correct gear position.

5. How is the P0850 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the Park/Neutral Switch, check wiring, and test the switch's functionality with a multimeter.

6. Can I drive my 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan with a P0850 code?

Driving may be possible, but it’s not recommended. The issue could lead to starting problems or unsafe gear shifting.

7. How much does it cost to fix a P0850 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Repairs may cost $150–$300, depending on whether the Park/Neutral Switch or related wiring needs replacement.

8. Can I fix the P0850 code myself?

If you’re experienced with car repairs, you can inspect the wiring and replace the Park/Neutral Switch. However, professional diagnosis is recommended.

9. Where is the Park/Neutral Switch located in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

The Park/Neutral Switch is typically located on the side of the transmission or near the gear selector assembly.

10. Will clearing the P0850 code fix the problem?

Clearing the code may turn off the Check Engine Light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.

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