AutoCodes – Mercury – P1838 Mercury

P1838 Mercury 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 Mercury 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.

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Code Popularity 1,090

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 Jan 30, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1838 Mercury 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 Mercury - Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com — P1838 Mercury Code - Transmission Transfer Case Shift Motor Circuit Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1838 Mercury?

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 Mercury?

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 Mercury 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 P1838 Mercury Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1838 in a Mercury vehicle?

- Common symptoms of code P1838 include difficulty shifting gears, failure to engage 4-wheel drive, and illuminated warning lights on the dashboard.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P1838 in my Mercury to trigger?

- The code P1838 is typically triggered by a malfunction in the transmission transfer case shift motor circuit, which may be caused by wiring issues, a faulty shift motor, or a failed transfer case control module.

3. How serious is the OBDII code P1838 in a Mercury vehicle?

- Code P1838 should be addressed promptly as it can affect the functionality of the transfer case shift motor, leading to potential drivability issues and safety concerns when driving in certain road conditions.

4. Can I continue to drive my Mercury with the OBDII code P1838 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with code P1838 present, as it may result in further damage to the transmission transfer case shift motor and other related components.

5. How can I diagnose and repair OBDII code P1838 in my Mercury?

- Diagnosis of code P1838 involves inspecting the wiring harness, shift motor, and control module for any signs of damage or malfunction. Repair may involve repairing or replacing faulty components and clearing the trouble code.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P1838 in a Mercury without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the trouble code using an OBDII scanner, it is not recommended to reset the code without addressing the root cause, as the issue may persist and trigger the code again.

7. Are there any DIY tips for fixing the OBDII code P1838 in my Mercury?

- DIY enthusiasts with automotive repair experience may attempt to inspect and repair the wiring harness, shift motor, and control module associated with code P1838. However, complex repairs may require professional assistance.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1838 in a Mercury?

- The cost of repairing code P1838 can vary depending on the underlying issue, the extent of the damage, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple mechanics for an accurate estimate.

9. Will fixing the OBDII code P1838 improve my Mercury's performance?

- Addressing and resolving code P1838 should restore proper functionality to the transmission transfer case shift motor, improving performance and drivability, especially in 4-wheel drive mode.

10. Can code P1838 reoccur in my Mercury after it has been repaired?

- If the underlying issue causing code P1838 is not properly addressed during the repair process, there is a possibility that the code may reoccur. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent future occurrences.