AutoCodes – Lincoln – P1838 Lincoln

P1838 Lincoln Code - Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor. Common causes include Faulty Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor, Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor harness is open or shorted, Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor 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 Lincoln indicates Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor, Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor harness is open or shorted, Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 1,224
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 30, 2020
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Code P1838 Lincoln Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor. The ECM sets the OBDII code when the Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code P1838 Lincoln - Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com
P1838 Lincoln Code - Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1838 Lincoln?

  • Faulty Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor
  • Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor harness is open or shorted
  • Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1838 Lincoln?

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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln code?

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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 Lincoln Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

The common symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, the transfer case not engaging or disengaging properly, and the vehicle getting stuck in a specific mode.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

The possible causes include a faulty transfer case shift motor, damaged wiring or connectors in the shift motor circuit, low transfer case fluid level, or a malfunctioning transfer case control module.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

Diagnosis typically involves checking the transfer case shift motor for proper operation, inspecting the wiring and connectors for any damage, testing the transfer case fluid level, and scanning the transfer case control module for fault codes.

4. What are some repair tips for addressing OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

Repair tips may include replacing the transfer case shift motor if it is faulty, repairing or replacing damaged wiring and connectors, ensuring the transfer case fluid level is topped up, and resetting the transfer case control module.

5. Can OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure cause further damage if left unaddressed?

Yes, leaving this issue unresolved can lead to further damage to the transfer case components, potentially resulting in drivability issues and costly repairs down the line.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my Lincoln with OBDII code P1838 related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with this code present, as it can affect the drivability and reliability of the vehicle. It is best to address the issue promptly.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may involve parts and labor costs for replacing the transfer case shift motor, repairing wiring, and any necessary diagnostic fees.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure myself?

While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it is important to address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from recurring. It is recommended to diagnose and repair the problem to ensure proper vehicle operation.

9. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

It is advisable to check with your local Lincoln dealership or online resources for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to this specific OBDII code to see if there are any known issues or remedies provided by the manufacturer.

10. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P1838 in a Lincoln related to Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure?

The repair time can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the availability of parts. It is best to consult with a qualified mechanic or technician to get an accurate estimate of the repair timeline.

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