AutoCodesChevrolet – P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado

P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Internal Mode Switch 'A' Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The internal mode switch indicates the Transmission Control Module (TCM) which gear position the vehicle operator has selected. Common causes include Faulty Transmission Internal Mode Switch, Transmission Internal Mode Switch harness is open or shorted, Transmission Internal Mode 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
P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado indicates Internal Mode Switch 'A' Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Transmission Internal Mode Switch, Transmission Internal Mode Switch harness is open or shorted, Transmission Internal Mode 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 230
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 23, 2024
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Code P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The internal mode switch indicates the Transmission Control Module (TCM) which gear position the vehicle operator has selected. The internal mode switch consists of 5 separate hall effect switches. Each hall effect switch is supplied with a 9 V reference circuit and a signal circuit from the TCM. Each signal circuit for each gear selector position will have either a voltage reading of 0.70–0.96 V indicating On or 1.68–2.38 V indicating Off. The voltage values on each internal mode switch circuit will change and are dependent on the position of the gear selector. The state of each internal mode switch A/B/C/P/S signal circuit is displayed on the scan tool. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the TCM has detected the internal mode switch A signal circuit voltage is greater than 2.38 V, for 1.75 s.
OBDII Code P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado - Internal Mode Switch 'A' Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code - Internal Mode Switch 'A' Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

  • Faulty Transmission Internal Mode Switch
  • Transmission Internal Mode Switch harness is open or shorted
  • Transmission Internal Mode Switch circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 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 P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 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 P1838 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does OBDII code P1838 mean on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

The P1838 code indicates a high voltage issue in the Internal Mode Switch 'A' circuit, which is part of the transmission range switch system.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1838 in a 2015 Silverado?

Symptoms may include transmission shifting issues, the gear indicator not matching the actual gear, the check engine light turning on, and potentially entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P1838 code to appear in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common causes include a faulty internal mode switch, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, or a malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM).

4. How can I diagnose the P1838 code on my Silverado?

Start by scanning for stored codes, inspecting the wiring and connectors of the internal mode switch, and testing the switch with a multimeter to verify voltage levels.

5. Can a faulty internal mode switch cause transmission issues in a Silverado?

Yes, a faulty internal mode switch can prevent the transmission from correctly identifying gear positions, leading to shifting problems.

6. Is the P1838 code related to the transmission range sensor?

Yes, the internal mode switch is part of the transmission range sensor system, which detects the gear position.

7. How do I fix the P1838 code on a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairs may include replacing the internal mode switch, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or reprogramming the transmission control module if needed.

8. Can driving with code P1838 damage my Silverado?

Driving with this code may cause further damage to the transmission or lead to unsafe driving conditions due to improper gear engagement.

9. How much does it cost to repair code P1838 on a 2015 Silverado?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $150 to $500, depending on whether the issue is with the switch, wiring, or module.

10. Can I clear the P1838 code without fixing the issue?

You can clear the code with a scan tool, but it will likely return if the underlying problem is not addressed.

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