AutoCodesPontiac – P0852 Pontiac

P0852 Pontiac Code - Park/Neutral Position Switch Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The transmission manual shift shaft switch assembly, also known as the Internal Mode Switch (IMS), is a sliding contact switch attached to the manual shift shaft inside the transmission case. Common causes include Faulty Park/Neutral Switch, Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted, Park/Neutral 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
P0852 Pontiac indicates Park/Neutral Position Switch Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Park/Neutral Switch, Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted, Park/Neutral 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 1,467
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 P0852 Pontiac Description

The transmission manual shift shaft switch assembly, also known as the Internal Mode Switch (IMS), is a sliding contact switch attached to the manual shift shaft inside the transmission case. The Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch is integrated into the IMS and connects to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) lead-frame through a short wire harness. The 5 inputs to the TCM from the transmission manual shift shaft switch assembly indicate the transmission gear selector lever position. This information is used for engine start enable, engine controls as well as determining the transmission shift patterns. The state of each input is available for display on the scan tool. The five input parameters represented are Signal A, Signal B, Signal C, Signal P (Parity), and Signal N (Park/Neutral Start Signal). Park/Neutral Signal is sent from the Park/Neutral switch directly to the Engine Control Module (ECM) and is used for engine start enable. The Park/Neutral Signal circuit is not connected to the TCM internally; the circuit uses the TCM as a pass-through connector only. The ECM Park/Neutral diagnostic monitors the Park/Neutral Signal circuit to detect Low voltage when the ECM expects to see High voltage and High voltage when the ECM expects to see Low voltage.
OBDII Code P0852 Pontiac - Park/Neutral Position Switch Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0852 Pontiac Code - Park/Neutral Position Switch Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0852 Pontiac?

  • Faulty Park/Neutral Switch
  • Park/Neutral Switch harness is open or shorted
  • Park/Neutral Switch circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0852 Pontiac?

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 P0852 Pontiac 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 P0852 Pontiac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0852 mean for a Pontiac?

The P0852 code indicates a high voltage issue in the Park/Neutral Position Switch Circuit, which helps the vehicle detect if it is in park or neutral.

2. What are common symptoms of the P0852 code in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include difficulty starting the vehicle, erratic transmission behavior, or the gear indicator not working properly.

3. What causes the P0852 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty Park/Neutral Position switch, damaged wiring or connectors, or electrical issues in the circuit.

4. Can I drive my Pontiac with the P0852 code active?

Driving with this code may lead to unpredictable transmission behavior or starting issues, so it’s best to address it promptly.

5. How do I fix the P0852 code in my Pontiac?

Repair may involve replacing the Park/Neutral Position switch, inspecting and repairing damaged wiring, or addressing electrical faults in the circuit.

6. How is the P0852 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will typically use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect wiring and connectors, and test the Park/Neutral Position switch for proper functionality.

7. How much does it cost to repair the P0852 code on a Pontiac?

Costs can vary, but replacing the Park/Neutral Position switch typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on parts and labor.

8. Can a bad Park/Neutral Position switch cause other problems?

Yes, it can lead to starting issues and may prevent the vehicle from shifting properly, which can affect drivability.

9. Does the P0852 code trigger the check engine light?

Yes, the P0852 code will usually activate the check engine light on your dashboard.

10. Can I reset the P0852 code without fixing the issue?

While you can clear the code with a scan tool, it will likely return if the underlying problem is not resolved.

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